What are the treatment options for early and late stage breast cancer in pregnancy, respectively?

Early stage breast cancer

Treatment of early-stage breast cancer (stages I and II) may include the following:

  • Modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.
  • Breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy. In pregnant women, radiotherapy is deferred until the birth of the fetus.
  • Modified radical surgery or breast-conserving surgery during pregnancy, followed by chemotherapy after the first trimester of pregnancy.

Advanced breast cancer

Treatment of advanced breast cancer (stages III and IV) may include the following:

  • Radiotherapy.
  • Chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy cannot be given during the first 3 months of pregnancy.