What’s Different About Pregnancy-Related Breast Cancer?
Pregnancy-related breast cancers occur in ~1 in 3000 pregnancies (3).
This is a small number y’all.
But here’s the problem- when they do occur, they tend to be more aggressive (the hormone-receptor negative, Her2+ type OR triple-negative type) and they are often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. (4).
Now I don’t know why the more aggressive cancers are more prevalent in this chapter- I don’t think science has an answer yet.
The overall increased risk is probably related, in a yet-to-be-determined way, to hormonal changes and breast changes associated with pregnancy.
But why are they diagnosed at more advanced stages?
This is because our breasts are going through so many changes anyway.
They are lumpy and lumpy.
They are engorged and uncomfortable.
They change size.
They are becoming asymmetrical.
And those things are NORMAL during pregnancy and lactation.
And it can hide the real early signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
