Abstract

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women of reproductive age. This study sought to explore the postcancer conception and pregnancy experience of young BC survivors to inform counseling.METHODS: In the Young Women's Breast Cancer Study (NCT01468246), a multicenter, prospective cohort, participants diagnosed at age =40years with stage 0-III BC who reported =1 postdiagnosis live birth were sent an investigator-developed survey.RESULTS: Of 119 eligible women, 94 (79%) completed the survey. Median age at diagnosis was 32years (range, 17-40) and at first postdiagnosis delivery was 38years (range, 29-47). Most had stage I or II (77%) and HR+ (78%) BC; 51% were nulligravida at diagnosis. After BC treatment, most (62%) conceived naturally, though 38% used assisted reproductive technology, 74% of whom first attempted natural conception for a median of 9months (range, 2-48). Among women with a known inherited pathogenic variant (n=20), two underwent preimplantation genetic testing. Of 59 women on endocrine therapy before pregnancy, 26% did not resume treatment. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (20%) was the most common obstetrical condition. Nine percent of newborns required neonatal intensive care unit admission and 9% had low birth weight.CONCLUSION: Among women with live births after BC treatment, most conceived naturally and having a history of BC did not appear to negatively impact pregnancy complications, though the high rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy warrants further investigation. The prolonged period of attempting natural conception for some survivors suggests the potential need for improved understanding and counseling surrounding family planning goals after BC.

View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.35066

View details for PubMedID 37880931