Breast Cancer & Pregnancy
Keith Londrie
It is of prime importance that the obstetrician's take a thorough
breast examination of pregnant women to detect breast cancer. Often,
the diagnosis is delayed because doctors and pregnant women assume that
lumps in the breast are due to normal hormonal changes.
The threat of breast cancer is upsetting for anyone, particularly
during pregnancy, but it is not uncommon. Pregnant women and physicians
should become more aware of the risk associated with cancer. The
obstetricians are usually more focused on the health of the unborn baby
than the mother's possible illness but should be more aware of the risk
of breast cancer. Women should examine their breasts regularly and tell
their doctor about any changes they discover.
Not only is diagnosis often delayed, but there is a high rate of
false-negative results of a mammography due to the increased density of
the breast during pregnancy.
Ultrasonogaphy is the best way to check for cancerous lumps in pregnant
and lactating women. Many studies have shown that the tumors in
pregnant women are larger and are more likely to spread.
Pregnant women should be encouraged to know that treatment is as
successful and safe as in non-pregnant women. Surgery is the best route
although there is a small risk of premature labor. Radiation therapy is
not offered during pregnancy but patients can be safely treated with
certain forms of chemotherapy from three months onwards. This may be
continued after the baby is born, although mothers should not breast
feed their babies while they are having chemotherapy.
Treatments are planned around the expected delivery date and are
administered as close to term as possible, Through the process,
oncologists communicate regularly with a woman's obstetrician.
A substantially greater number of pregnant women have been treated now
than ever before, providing a growing confidence in the safety and
positive outcome of chemotherapy for pregnant breast cancer patients
Carter and baby Emma are perfect examples. Weighing 5 pounds, 14
ounces, Emma entered the world with a "full head of hair," laughs
Carter, who says she was "completely bald" when her "miracle child" was
born.
Overall survival of pregnant women with breast cancer may be worse than
in non pregnant women at all stages however, this may be due primarily
to delayed diagnoses. Termination of pregnancy has not been shown to
have any beneficial effect on breast cancer outcome and is not usually
considered as a therapeutic option. Termination of pregnancy, however,
may be considered, based on the age of the fetus, and if maternal
treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are
significantly limited by the continuation of the pregnancy.
Keith Londrie II is a well known author. See the site at
http://treat-breast-cancer. info/ for a wealth of information. You may also
want to visit keith's
own web site at http://keithlondrie.com/
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