Survey study of breastfeeding experiences among young breast cancer survivors

Following breast cancer (BC), many young women are interested in future childbearing, and some may wish to breastfeed. Analysis among participants in the multinational prospective Young Women’s Breast Cancer Study included 94 women aged ≤ 40 years diagnosed with stage 0-III BC between 2006-2016 who reported one or more live births following diagnosis. Breastfeeding was attempted by 52 of 94 women (55%). Among those who had not attempted breastfeading 39 of 42 (93%) had prior bilateral mastectomy. Among those who attempted breastfeading, 36 of 52 (69%) had undergone lumpectomy and radiotherapy, 30 of whom (83%) reported no milk production from their treated breast. Most (34 of 52; 65%) were at least somewhat satisfied with their ability to breastfeed. Reasons for stopping breastfeeding included: having completed the planned duration (36%), starting or resuming endocrine therapy (21%), and resuming breast imaging (8%). The authors conclude that most young BC survivors who attempted to breastfeed were able to do so, and were satisfied with the experience.