Sonam (name changed) a 27-year-old lady was diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy. On one hand it was the most awaited moment of her life, the joy and bliss of the life growing inside her womb and then she had felt a lump in her breast. Then the tests that followed and the diagnosis of breast cancer had left her devastated. Her mind was full of questions relating to breast cancer and pregnancy.
Can Breast cancer be diagnosed during pregnancy?
Breast cancer can rarely be diagnosed during pregnancy.
Can pregnancy be continued after thediagnosis of breast cancer?
Depending on the trimester (stage of pregnancy), a decision has to be made whether or not to continue pregnancy. The decision to terminate a pregnancy is a very personal one. It can be made only by the patient and her partner, following a discussion with the specialist team and obstetrician.
There is no evidence to suggest that termination will improve the outcome for women in this situation. However, a termination may be discussed if chemotherapy is recommended during the first trimester if breast cancer is the type that can grow more rapidly or has spread to other parts of the body. Whatever decision is made, it is important to remember that it is very individualized.
Can breast cancer during pregnancy affect the baby?
There is no evidence that having breast cancer during pregnancy affects the baby’s development in the womb. Cancer cannot be passed on to the baby and there is no evidence that the child will develop cancer in later life as a result of the mother being diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy
What are the treatment options when cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy?
Effective treatment can be given during pregnancy and the specialist team must discuss the options fully with the patient. Generally, the treatment offered will depend on the type and extent of breast cancer, the trimester (stage) of pregnancy when the cancer is diagnosed in and individual circumstances. The specialist team must include both a cancer specialist and an obstetrician