Confronted with cancer during pregnancy?
On this page, you will get some insight into what a cancer diagnosis entails and where you can find support.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Fertility
Diagnostic tests are used to determine the stage of disease and monitor the stability or possible progression.
The aim is to perform these examinations in the same way as in non-pregnant women. When choosing imaging options for pregnant women with cancer, the balance between the benefits to the mother and the risks to the fetus is always taken into account.
Given the complexity of the decisions in the treatment of cancer in pregnant women, options should be discussed, per individual patient, in an experienced team after carefully balancing all the risks and benefits for both mother and child. The Advisory Board Cancer In Pregnancy (ABCIP) has been set up to provide support and advice on diagnosis and/or treatment for this rare group of patients.
One of the main concerns after cancer and its treatment during pregnancy is fertility. Methods for fertility preservation should be discussed prior to cancer treatment, to ensure that the patient is fully informed regarding the impact of cancer treatment on fertility. On this matter, the Advisory Board Cancer In Pregnancy (ABCIP) can be contacted as well to discuss individual recommendations.
Patient Organisations
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The STER(k) Foundation is a patient organisation in the Netherlands devoted to assisting women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or within the first year postpartum. STER(k) provides insights into non-medical concerns such as breastfeeding, maternity care, and emotional assistance to address treatment-related anxieties and the implications for the unborn child. Practical guidance, including tips for arranging childcare or home assistance, is also offered.
Learn more or reach out at www.stermetk.nl or via email at info@stermetk.nl.
Mummy’s Star is a charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to supporting women and birthing people diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or up to a year postpartum, including those who have faced pregnancy loss. The association’s support system encompasses advocacy on behalf of the families, financial aid via small grants for cancer-related expenses.
Learn more or reach out at www.mummysstar.org or via email at info@mummysstar.org.
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Foundation
We are committed to advancing research and providing support for families affected by cancer during pregnancy. Through collaboration with experts, we aim to improve health outcomes and provide critical resources.
News & Events
Stay informed about our latest research updates, events, and key milestones that support our mission of improving care for families.
Our story
Our foundation was born from the shared passion of healthcare professionals to better support families facing the challenge of cancer during pregnancy. We’ve since grown into a global initiative, focused on improving care and outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Diagnosis
What imaging techniques are safe during pregnancy?
Ultrasounds are considered safe and will not harm the foetus when performed during pregnancy.
Other diagnostic tests that can be done during pregnancy include x-rays, CT scans and nuclear scans (PET). However, these modalities involve the use of radiation or radioactivity which can be harmful to the fetus if it is exposed to high levels. Therefore a maximum threshold for exposure must be respected, which can be calculated based on the area being scanned and the distance to the uterus. A single examination does not pose substantial risk to the fetus, but it is recommended to avoid unnecessary imaging and to keep the radiation dose as low as possible.
Are blood tests reliable during pregnancy?
Blood testing for tumor markers can be done, but might not be ideal as a diagnosing tool. While tumor markers can indicate the presence of a tumor in non-pregnant patients, the physiological changes during pregnancy can complicate the diagnosis.
Is sedation for diagnostic tests safe for the baby?
Whether sedation is safe for the baby depends on the type of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is the preferred option and is considered as little risk to the fetus. When general anesthesia is needed, the risk depends on the gestational age. It is usually recommended to wait until the second trimester.
Treatment
Can I get surgery during pregnancy?
Surgery can be part of the treatment for cancer. It is generally safe during pregnancy, and it may be considered depending on where the cancer is in the body.
Is radiotherapy a treatment option during pregnancy?
Radiation therapy to the abdominal or pelvic area near the fetus is not safe during pregnancy, but radiation to an area farther away in the body (for example, the neck or the head) might be an option in particular circumstances when shielding is used to protect the fetus.
Which therapies should be avoided during pregnancy?
For some other cancer treatments, such as hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy are not usually given during pregnancy since it is not clear how much of a risk might pose to the fetus. More research in this area is needed.
Can I breastfeed my baby during chemotherapy?
Currently, the general advice is to avoid breastfeeding during chemotherapy because these drugs can pass into breast milk. However, recent studies suggest that the relative infant dose of chemotherapy drugs may become negligible after a few days of pumping and discarding breast milk post-treatment. This raises the possibility that breastfeeding between treatment cycles could be safe. However, more research is needed to fully understand the risks. Always consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific situation and any potential risks.
What are the dangers of chemotherapy during pregnancy for my baby?
The effects of chemotherapy on your baby depend on several factors, including the type and timing of treatment. Chemotherapy during the first trimester poses the highest risk, as this is a critical period for fetal development, increasing the chances of birth defects and miscarriage. Treatment during the second and third trimesters is generally safer but can still affect the baby’s growth. Some chemotherapy drugs are more harmful than others, but studies on children exposed to chemotherapy in utero have generally shown reassuring results, with most children not experiencing significant developmental or cognitive delays. However, certain drugs, like cisplatin, may impact hearing, so regular hearing check-ups are essential.
While long-term data on adolescent development is limited, your medical team will aim to use the safest possible chemotherapy drugs during pregnancy. It’s important to discuss all your concerns and treatment options with your healthcare providers to make the best decisions for you and your baby.
How does chemotherapy work and can it be administered during pregnancy?
Chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells but normal cells can be also affected, that is why a series of side effects like hair loss, anemia or infection can take place. Most chemotherapy side effects are temporary.
Chemotherapy has limited side effects for the fetus if given in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, but it isn’t safe in the first trimester. When administered from the second trimester, chemotherapy does not seem to raise the risk of birth defects, stillbirths, or health problems shortly after birth. It might, however, increase the risk of early delivery.
Fertility
Will my fertility be affected by anti-cancer treatment during pregnancy?
Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can damage the ovaries and reduce fertility. Surgery involving the reproductive organs can also affect the ability to have children. However, the effect of the treatment on fertility is highly unpredictable, depending on treatment-related and patient-related factors. Natural conception could still be possible. Consulting experts in the field can help investigate fertility after cancer treatment and guide patients who wish to pursue pregnancy after cancer.
Are there any options to preserve fertility before cancer treatment?
Depending on the type of cancer, the patient’s age, the type of therapy, and the timing for the start of treatment, there are several options for fertility preservation. The use of drugs to protect the ovaries and/or the preservation of oocytes or ovarian tissue could be performed. In the case of tumors affecting the genital tract, fertility-sparing surgery and fertility-preserving treatments can be proposed. Referring to a specialized oncology center is important to evaluate these options.