Abstract PO3-12-01: Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer
Authors: Litwiniuk Maria , Bartoszkiewicz Mikołaj , Kufel-Grabowska Joanna 
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer (BC) in young women (&lt; 40 years of age) accounts for only 6-8% of all breast cancers, but it is the most common oncological disease in the reproductive age group. For many young patients, it is important to have children after breast cancer treatment. The results of retrospective studies and the POSITIVE trial indicate that pregnancy and childbirth do not increase the risk of BC recurrence. While we have more data on the course of pregnancy, maternal and child health, limited information is available about breastfeeding experiences in BC survivors.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the breastfeeding experiences of women who had previously been treated for breast cancer. Method: The study took the form of a survey. A questionnaire regarding diagnosis, treatment, pregnancy, and breastfeeding was sent to women associated with patient organizations. Data on cancer and treatment were obtained from the patients. Results: We received 44 completed questionnaires. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 30 years (23-35). The majority of patients underwent mastectomy (59%), and almost all patients received chemotherapy (91%). Hormonal treatment was used in 61% of cases, and trastuzumab in 41%. The average time from diagnosis to pregnancy was 44.6 months (0-120). Most babies were born at term (86.4%), with an average birth weight of 3444.4 grams (2360-4220). Out of the 44 patients, 33 breastfed their babies. In 80% of women, milk appeared in the healthy breast, and in every fourth patient after conserving treatment. 20% of these patients attempted to breastfeed with the affected breast, but these attempts failed after a few days. Among the patients who breastfed with the healthy breast, 27% breastfed for 3 to 6 months, 24% for 6 to 12 months, and 30% for more than a year (12% for more than 2 years). Babies were gaining weight normally, but 65% of mothers opted for additional formula feeding. Patients who did not start breastfeeding cited concern for the proper development of their children and fear of recurrence of the disease as the main reasons. Two patients were unable to breastfeed because they had to resume adjuvant hormonal treatment that had been interrupted in order to become pregnant and deliver a child. Shockingly, 36% of patients did not receive sufficient information on the possibility of breastfeeding after breast cancer treatment, and only 23 patients (52%) had meetings with a lactation consultant after giving birth. Conclusions: Women who give birth after breast cancer treatment should be informed about the possibility of breastfeeding. They should also be aware that one breast can produce enough milk for their baby, and they should have access to lactation consultants for guidance and support.

Citation Format: Maria Litwiniuk, Mikołaj Bartoszkiewicz, Joanna Kufel-Grabowska. Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-12-01.