Cancer During Pregnancy: Does It Affect The Foetus? What Are The Risks?

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Cancer during pregnancy is a difficult and complex topic. It can cause worry and anxiety for many expecting mothers, especially when it comes to the health of their unborn babies.

During pregnancy, the most common types of cancer are breast, cervical, thyroid, colon, ovarian, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukaemia, which are all common cancers among younger women [1].

Cancer During Pregnancy: Does It Affect The Foetus?

Cancer during pregnancy is a rare but serious condition. It is estimated that 1 in 1,000 pregnant women are diagnosed with cancer during their pregnancy. While the exact cause of cancer during pregnancy is unknown, there are certain factors that can increase a pregnant woman's risk of developing cancer. These include age, family history, and certain infections [2].

What are the signs of cancer during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing certain types of cancer, so it's important to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms [3].

While many of these signs can be easily confused with other common pregnancy-related conditions, it's important to stay vigilant and seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms arise:

• Lumps or bumps that are either new or have grown in size
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Unexplained pain or other discomforts
• A sudden change in the size or colour of a mole
• Swelling in the neck, armpits or groin
• Hoarseness or frequent coughing
• Unexplained fatigue
• Unexplained fever or chills
• Blood in the urine or stool
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• White patches inside the mouth
• Loss of appetite or difficulty swallowing

Does cancer during pregnancy affect the foetus?

The good news is that, in most cases, cancer during pregnancy does not affect the foetus [4]. Research has shown that cancer during pregnancy does not typically cause harm to the foetus.

It is important for pregnant women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, as they can be different from those seen in non-pregnant women. Common signs and symptoms of cancer during pregnancy include unusual or persistent fatigue, anaemia, weight loss, abdominal pain or swelling, and persistent nausea or vomiting [5].

If a pregnant woman experiences any of these signs or symptoms, she should speak with her healthcare provider. Diagnosing cancer during pregnancy can be difficult as many of the common tests used to diagnose cancer cannot be used due to the risk to the pregnancy.

For this reason, imaging tests such as ultrasounds or MRI scans are often used to help diagnose cancer during pregnancy.

Cancer During Pregnancy: What Are The Treatment Options?

Treatment for cancer during pregnancy can be complicated. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments. The type of treatment chosen will depend on the type of cancer, the stage of pregnancy, and the health of the mother and baby [6].

On A Final Note...

Although cancer during pregnancy can be a frightening diagnosis, it is important to remember that with early diagnosis and proper treatment, many pregnant women with cancer can have a successful outcome. It is important for pregnant women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer and speak with their healthcare provider if they experience any of them.