Getting a diagnosis of breast cancer while you’re pregnant isn’t a common occurrence. It’s estimated to happen in about
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer includesbreast cancerdiagnosed any time during the pregnancy or in the
It’s possible that breast cancer in pregnancy has
Being pregnant doesn’t cause breast cancer, but if you already have some breast cancer cells, the hormonal changes of pregnancy may cause them to grow.
Continue reading to learn more about breast cancer during pregnancy, treatment options, and what you can expect for yourself and your baby.
Diagnosing and treating breast cancer are complicated by pregnancy. The goal is to cure the cancer, if possible, or to keep it from spreading while also protecting the health of your baby. Your cancer care team and your obstetrician will need to coordinate to provide the best care for you and your baby.
There are
Some treatments may have to be delayed until after the baby is born. The goal is to carry the baby as close to full term as possible.
Chances of survival are
When coming up with a treatment plan, much will depend on extent of the cancer. Your doctors will consider:
- the number and size of tumors
- tumor grade, which indicates how quickly the cancer can be expected to grow and spread
- the specific type of breast cancer
- how far along you are in your pregnancy
- your general health
- personal preferences
Surgery
乳腺癌的一线治疗是杂志ery, even if you’re pregnant. This may mean breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy with lymph node removal.
Breast surgery for early stage breast cancer is considered
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapygenerally isn’t given during the first trimester of pregnancy, when the baby’s internal organs are developing.
Use of chemotherapy may depend on the specific type of breast cancer you have and how aggressive it is. In some cases, waiting until after you deliver is an option.
Radiation
High doses of radiation given at any time during pregnancy can
- miscarriage
- slow fetal growth
- birth defects
- childhood cancer
For this reason, radiation therapy is usually delayed until after the baby is born.
Hormone and targeted therapies
Hormone therapies and targeted therapies aren’t considered
- aromatase inhibitors
- bevacizumab (Avastin)
- everolimus (Afinitor)
- lapatinib (Tykerb)
- palbociclib (Ibrance)
- tamoxifen
- trastuzumab (Herceptin)
Surgery is a primary treatment for breast cancer, regardless of whether you’re pregnant.
Lumpectomy is given in combination with radiation therapy, but the radiation must wait until after the baby is born. This is an option if you’re close to delivery and radiation won’t be delayed too long.
Otherwise, mastectomy is
General anesthesia may pose
It’s possible to breastfeed after a lumpectomy, but scar tissue and reduced milk volume can make it difficult in that breast. Your other breast isn’t affected.
If you have a single-side mastectomy, you’ll be able to breastfeed from the unaffected breast.
Chemotherapy, hormone treatments, and targeted therapy drugs can be passed to your baby in breast milk.
If you would like to breastfeed, talk to your oncologist and your obstetrician to make sure it’s safe. You might also want to speak with a lactation consultant.
Learning you have breast cancer while pregnant can be stressful for you and for your family. Consider seeing a therapist to help work your way through this challenging time. Here are some resources to get started:
- Ask your oncologist or treatment center for referrals to therapists and support groups.
- Reach out to aboard-certified lactation consultantwith your breastfeeding questions.
- Check out theYoung Survival Coalition, a support system for young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Contact the
American Cancer Society for information on support programs and services in your area.