[Breast cancers and pregnancy. 43 cases reported in the National Oncology Institute between 1985 and 1988]. / Cancers du sein et grossesse. A propos de quarante-trois cas colligés à l'Institut National d'Oncologie entre 1985 et 1988.

ABSTRACT

We report a 4-year retrospective study of 43 cases of breast cancer related to pregnancy and the post-natal period, corresponding to a 4.6% incidence in the breast cancers recorded during the same period. The mean age of our patients was 33 years. The most common reason for the consultation was the tumour. Inflammatory signs were present in 25% of cases and 80% of our patients had palpable under-arm adenopathies. 27% of cases were metastatic from the outset. The timing of treatment was the only parameter to be changed on the basis of age or the continuation of pregnancy or stage of the illness. Termination of pregnancy was carried out in only 2 cases. Recurrences occurred in 70% of cases and the survival median was 18 months. We noted that breast cancer during the perinatal period constitutes a poor prognosis, hence the importance of early diagnosis and care.