CHALLENGES OF THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO BREAST CANCER IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Breast cancer during pregnancy is a rare but increasingly common condition, especially due to the postponement of motherhood. This study aims to examine the treatment methods applied to pregnant women with breast cancer, highlighting the effects on breastfeeding and the impact on the health of both mother and baby. This is an exploratory literature review based on scientific publications available on the PubMed, SciELO, BVS, and Google Scholar platforms, using the terms: "breast cancer," "pregnancy," "treatment," and "breastfeeding." The information was organized into four thematic groups: Clinical Aspects of Breast Cancer During Pregnancy; Therapeutic Strategies and Challenges in the Treatment of Pregnant Women with Breast Cancer; Temporality and Individualization of Oncological Treatment During Pregnancy; and Implications of Treatment on Breastfeeding and Maternal-Fetal Prognosis. It was observed that diagnosis is complicated by the body's natural transformations during pregnancy, and that therapeutic management must consider both gestational age and tumor type. Chemotherapy can be initiated from the second trimester, while radiotherapy and hormone therapy are postponed until postpartum. It is concluded that patient care requires a multidisciplinary team and individualized decisions, aiming to protect maternal and fetal life, as well as providing guidance on the interruption or continuation of breastfeeding. Further study of this topic contributes to more effective and safer management.