Dealing with breast cancer may by itself be an arduous task for patients. When coupled with pregnancy, the anxiety may be manifold. However, breast cancer patients can seek effective treatment during pregnancy. But a specialist team must discuss the options fully with the patient.
Generally, the treatment offered will depend on the type and extent of the 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.
A decision on whether or not to proceed with the pregnancy should be taken depending on the trimester when it is diagnosed. However, 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 her doctors.
There is no evidence to suggest that a 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 the 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 individualised.
There is no evidence to prove that having breast cancer during pregnancy affects the baby’s development. It is important to know that cancer cannot be passed on to the baby and there is no proof that the child will develop cancer later.
While many people are under the impression that breast cancer during pregnancy is more aggressive than breast cancer that occurs otherwise, there is no conclusive evidence to prove the same. However, diagnosing breast cancer in pregnant women maybe harder.
Chemotherapy may be recommended during the second and third trimesters. It is usually not given earlier because the foetus grows very quickly early on and could be affected by the drugs.
The writer is the director, KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, Hyderabad.
Remember
* Breast cancer treatment during pregnancy depends on the time of diagnosis.
* Terminating a pregnancy may be suggested if chemotherapy is required in the first trimester.
* Breast cancer during pregnancy is harder to detect.
* Chemotherapy is usually recommended in the second and third trimesters.