Retrospective study of 35 cases of breast cancer associated with pregnancy at the Monastir Maternity and Neonatology Center

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is a rare and complex condition, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Tunisia. This study aims to analyze the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of PABC in a Tunisian population to tailor management strategies. We conducted a single-center, retrospective descriptive study of 35 patients diagnosed between January 2004 and December 2023 at the Monastir Maternity and Neonatology Center. Clinical, radiological, histopathological, and prognostic data were collected and analyzed. The incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer was 4.8%. The mean age of patients was 35.3 years, with an average delay of 141 days between symptom onset and consultation. Most cancers were non-metastatic, primarily invasive ductal carcinomas. Management included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Recurrence and mortality rates were 22.9% and 17.1%, respectively. The average overall survival was estimated at 106 months, with better prognosis for younger patients without lymph node involvement. This study emphasizes the importance of increased awareness and improved access to care for these patients, as well as the need to strengthen screening and treatment protocols.