We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Treatments for Breast Cancer During Pregnancy?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,077
Share

Treating breast cancer during pregnancy is a delicate process. Doctors must balance caring for the patient’s health with concerns for the health and safety of the unborn child. Treatment options for breast cancer during pregnancy typically depend on the trimester of pregnancy and the stage of cancer. The most frequent treatments, however, include mastectomies and lumpectomies. When deciding whether or not to use chemotherapy, doctors must carefully weigh the benefits of this treatment versus the risk to the pregnancy. Sometimes cancer has progressed so far that treatment is unlikely to prolong the woman’s life significantly, and some women may choose to postpone treatment until they have given birth.

The stage at which breast cancer is diagnosed may influence how it is treated and the risks to the developing baby. Generally, it is easiest to treat breast cancer during pregnancy, without causing harm to the developing baby, when the cancer is in an early stage. Cancer that is found in an early stage may be treated with a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, both of which may be less dangerous for a developing baby than chemotherapy.

Doctors may recommend a mastectomy if stage I and II breast cancer is discovered in the first six months of a pregnancy. Though a lumpectomy may also be considered, a mastectomy may provide the best chance of preventing breast cancer’s spread when radiation treatment must be delayed because of pregnancy. As such, lumpectomies may be preferred for women who are in their last trimester of pregnancy and have less time to wait if radiation treatments are necessary.

If chemotherapy or radiation are necessary for treating breast cancer, care is usually taken in deciding when treatment should begin. If chemotherapy treatment cannot be delayed until after a woman is no longer pregnant, doctors may recommend starting it after the first trimester. At this point, there may be less risk of harm to the unborn child. If radiation treatment is required before child birth, there is significant risk to the baby, and parents and doctors may have a difficult time deciding how to proceed. Since radiation treatment isn't usually performed on pregnant women, termination or early delivery of the baby may be necessary.

Unfortunately, some breast cancers are diagnosed at such a late stage that waiting to begin treatment may not significantly change a woman’s prognosis. In such a case, she must decide whether to attempt treatment for breast cancer during pregnancy or wait until after she has given birth. This is a difficult decision that a woman may make based on the advice of her doctor.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-treatments-for-breast-cancer-during-pregnancy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.