Understanding the Diagnostic Experience of Postpartum Breast Cancer Patients

Postpartum breast cancer (PPBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer diagnosed within 5-10 years after childbirth and is accompanied by increased mortality, disease spread, and recurrence. Young mothers (≤45 years) experience late diagnoses because of dense breast tissue which complicates imaging. They also face lack of inclusion in routine screening programs. Moreover, many of these cases are initially misdiagnosed as benign conditions like clogged ducts, abscesses, or mastitis, further delaying treatment and worsening outcomes. This study aims to explore the diagnosis experience of PPBC patients by (1) understanding how young mothers interpret changes in their breast and decide to seek medical care and (2) identifying challenges in receiving a diagnosis. A mixed-methods research design will be used to incorporate quantitative survey data and insights from qualitative semi-structured interviews. Participants will be recruited using posters in patient groups on social media and will complete a survey to collect demographic and diagnostic information. Participants can also choose to do one-hour virtual interviews focusing on symptom awareness, decision-making, and healthcare interactions. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts will give insights into the narrative around PPBC diagnosis experience. This study will be conducted alongside biomedical research on identifying early PPBC detection markers. By incorporating patient perspectives, findings will contribute to raising awareness among healthcare professionals and young mothers, and also identifying potential points of intervention for improved screening and earlier diagnosis in the postpartum period, ultimately improving PPBC outcomes.