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| Breast Cancer During Pregnancy | ||
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Breast cancer found during pregnancy is a challenge, but one that a
multidisciplinary team can help you manage. About 7% of breast cancers are
diagnosed during pregnancy.
I've found a lump. How will they diagnosis it?
A physician will feel the lump, looking for certain characteristics. An
ultrasound is a helpful tool in determining if the lump has characteristics of
cancer. Mammography is usually not performed on a pregnant woman because of the
density of the breast during pregnancy and the contraindications of radiation
to the fetus. If the lump has suspicious characteristics, a needle biopsy,
using only local anesthesia, can be performed for a study of the cells. This
type of biopsy is safe anytime during pregnancy.
Is breast cancer during pregnancy a more aggressive disease?
It was long thought that breast cancer during pregnancy carried a less favorable
prognosis. It is now known through clinical studies that the course of the
disease is no different. The differences are in decisions of how to manage the
disease and maintain pregnancy.
Do I have to have an abortion if I do have breast cancer?
The high levels of estrogen and prolactin during pregnancy may stimulate a
cancer to grow, but studies have shown that abortion does not change the course
of your cancer and does not improve chances of survival. Abortion is an option only when aggressive chemotherapy is required early in the
pregnancy.
What about surgery for breast cancer?
Surgical choices for breast cancer during pregnancy are limited. Breast
conservation (lumpectomy) can only be done if delivery is within 6 to 8 weeks.
Radiation therapy is needed after a lumpectomy. Radiation therapy is
contraindicated with pregnancy because of potential side effects to the baby.
Mastectomy, unlike lumpectomy, can be performed anytime during pregnancy.
Can I have general anesthesia during pregnancy?
After the first trimester (3 months) during pregnancy, women can have general
anesthesia for a mastectomy. If you are in your first few months of pregnancy,
your physician will discuss surgical options with you. When you have your
surgery, the baby will be monitored carefully and the smallest possible amount
of anesthesia is given.
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Can I have chemotherapy during pregnancy?
During the first trimester (3 months) of pregnancy, chemotherapy is not
recommended. Your physician will discuss the possibility of delaying treatment.
There is a risk anytime during pregnancy for abnormalities in fetal development
if chemotherapy is given. However, the risks are greatly reduced after the
first three months. Your physician will discuss with you these risks.
Chemotherapy drugs are usually administered differently and some drugs are
avoided during pregnancy.
Can I breast feed after breast cancer?
You can breast feed from the remaining breast. It has never been documented that
breast milk increases the risk of an offspring having breast cancer in the
future. If you have a lumpectomy and radiation therapy, the treated breast will
usually not produce milk, but the other breast will continue to be functional.
Can I breast feed if I'm taking chemotherapy?
Breastfeeding during chemotherapy is not recommended. Systemic chemotherapy
reaches high levels in breast milk.
If I take chemotherapy during pregnancy, what special care should I take?
What about delivery when taking chemotherapy?
Your delivery will be planned to occur when your blood counts are at a safe
level to prevent bleeding and infections
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