O84 - Exploring women’s experiences of gestational breast cancer and their interactions with the health care system: a scoping review

Abstract

Gestational breast cancer (GBC) is defined as a breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or in the first twelve months postpartum. A diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy is an uncommon occurrence, yet it is one of the most common types of cancer occurring during pregnancy. Cancer management for GBC is complex and multifaceted. Gestational breast cancer management involves midwives, and other health care professionals which can add to the impost of diagnosis. This scoping review aimed to report the evidence of women’s experiences following a diagnosis of GBC and their interactions with the health care system. Guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework (2005), this review included systematic searches of: Medline; CINAHL; Psych INFO; EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases in addition to six grey literature databases. A total of 25 articles were included. Thematic analysis identified an overarching theme of adjustment which underpinned the narratives of the women and was reinforced with four major themes: psychological impact; motherhood; treatment and communication, and several sub-themes. The relationship between the themes contextualises the enormous complexity of the experiences of women with GBC. Woman centred care places the woman at the centre of her experience. Providing women with a midwife throughout the journey provides continuity of maternity care and improved communication for these women with GBC and their families. At a time of conflicting emotions for women, midwives are well placed to provide holistic care, focusing on the woman’s unique circumstances, and normalising the woman’s experience of motherhood.