BACKGROUND:
In 2020, breast cancer (BC) affected approximately 2.3 million women worldwide. Women who undergo BC treatment often face challenges in breastfeeding thereafter. Many midwives lack adequate training to provide individualized care beyond standard breastfeeding protocols for these women.

OBJECTIVES:
To analyze experiences of women who attempted breastfeeding following BC treatment and identify optimal support strategies for healthcare providers.

METHODS:
We employed a qualitative systematic review design to answer: "What are the experiences of women who breastfeed after BC treatment?" We included studies on women’s experiences with any form of breastfeeding following BC treatment. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO using keywords such as "breast," "cancer," "feeding," "lactation," and "milk" in English and Japanese. The inclusion criteria focused on women who considered breastfeeding after BC treatment. Women’s experiences encompassed all forms of breastfeeding. Ethical approval was waived.

RESULTS:
Of 6,213 articles identified, eight (published between 2019 and 2023) met the inclusion criteria. We excluded articles based on irrelevant outcomes, population, or study design. Breastfeeding after BC treatment was uncommon; however, women who succeeded described it as a privilege, source of joy, and even a miracle. Many women reported that breastfeeding, even briefly, gave them a renewed sense of purpose and strengthened their motivation to raise children. Despite this, many women reported insufficient support from medical professionals. They also frequently felt different from other mothers and from their pre-cancer selves, struggling with their identities as breastfeeding mothers in the minority.

CONCLUSIONS:
Current breastfeeding support for BC survivors remains inadequate. Although existing recommendations are well-intentioned, midwives must recognize that such guidance may be distressing for women who are uncertain about their breastfeeding ability following BC treatment.

KEY MESSAGE:
Healthcare professionals’ attitudes and comments significantly influence women's breastfeeding decisions, highlighting the need to redesign breastfeeding support systems for BC survivors. Poster session 4 (Group B)