Is there a relationship between pregnancy and breast cancer?

When older mothers are preparing for pregnancy, they often think that a routine pre-pregnancy eugenics checkup is enough. Medical experts remind you that breast examination is essential! As women age, the risk of breast diseases such as breast fibroadenoma, breast cysts, and breast hyperplasia increases. After pregnancy, the hormone levels in the body change dramatically, which can lead to worsening of the disease, manifested as larger lumps and changes in shape. Experts recommend that women undergo a breast specialist examination when preparing for pregnancy to prepare for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Is there a relationship between pregnancy and breast cancer? Estrogen and lactation levels double after pregnancy

35-year-old Ms. Chen was six months pregnant. She had not undergone any breast examinations before pregnancy. The lump on the upper outer side of her left breast became more and more obvious, and she could feel it with her hand. Ms. Chen thought it was just a common breast tumor. After a comprehensive examination at the Second Department of General Surgery, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"After a woman becomes pregnant, her estrogen and lactose levels will double. Under the stimulation of hormones, the mass will further increase in size, and the previously latent disease will become apparent. Although it is not certain whether breast cancer is caused by pregnancy, the increase in hormone levels will aggravate the condition. This is the case with Ms. Chen. It is possible that her previous breast cancer was not discovered, and the influence of hormones after pregnancy made the mass more and more obvious." said the expert.

Due to her advanced age, Ms. Chen endured the disease and gave birth to a baby by caesarean section at 30 weeks of pregnancy. She insisted on postponing the treatment of breast cancer. "Ms. Chen has not been pregnant for many years and is unwilling to stop the pregnancy. However, breast cancer is a time-limited surgery, usually within 1 to 2 months of diagnosis. Ms. Chen is in the late stage of pregnancy. After our evaluation, we first used some mild drugs with less impact on the fetus, and then performed the surgery after giving birth. However, because her estrogen level is still at a high level after giving birth, it is very unfavorable for surgery and postoperative recovery. Therefore, it is recommended that women have a comprehensive breast examination before pregnancy. If there is a breast problem, it should be treated as soon as possible to avoid affecting the body and the fetus after pregnancy." The expert introduced.

Breast fibroadenomas have a 3% to 5% chance of becoming malignant.

So the question is, if breast fibroadenoma is found before pregnancy, do you need surgery? 30-year-old Xiaoyang found two 2-cm fibroadenomas in her breasts during a physical examination at work. She was childless and anxious to go to the Second Provincial Hospital for treatment. The doctor recommended that she undergo minimally invasive surgery. "Breast fibroadenomas are isolated, single masses. Unlike breast hyperplasia, fibroadenomas are not necessarily accompanied by pain and are often ignored by patients. Breast fibroadenomas have a 3% to 5% chance of malignant transformation clinically. Generally, if the swelling is not obvious or the capsule is smooth, surgery is not required immediately. However, if the adenoma is not smooth enough and is larger than 2 cm, especially if it grows outside the breast, we recommend removal. Even if the possibility of malignant transformation is small, it will have a great impact on the patient's breastfeeding after pregnancy." The expert pointed out.

At present, the minimally invasive surgery for breast fibroadenoma mainly adopts the breast excision system. After the operation, not only can the pathological examination of the adenoma be performed to determine whether it is malignant, but the adenoma can also be completely removed. A 0.5 cm wound can completely remove a 3 cm adenoma. The patient recovers quickly after the operation and has less impact on life. "We generally use B-ultrasound to check the shape and size of breast fibroadenoma. If there is suspicion of malignancy, the result of the puncture examination may be false negative. To truly confirm whether it is breast cancer, it is necessary to do a case examination after the removal. Therefore, it is recommended that women have a comprehensive breast examination before pregnancy so that any problems can be dealt with in time!" the expert added.