By Dr Kaishreen Khan, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune.
Breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy can be emotionally overwhelming, but timely evaluation and careful planning can help doctors treat the mother while monitoring the health and development of the baby.
Pregnancy brings several changes to a woman’s breasts, including increased size, tenderness, and a feeling of fullness. These changes can sometimes make it difficult to identify an unusual lump or other warning signs. Although breast cancer during pregnancy is uncommon, a persistent lump or suspicious breast change should not be ignored simply because a woman is pregnant.
Pregnancy naturally changes the breast tissue, so women may sometimes feel lumps or notice changes that are not cancer. However, a lump that persists, increases in size, or is associated with skin or nipple changes needs medical evaluation. We should not delay assessment just because the woman is pregnant.
How is breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy?
If a woman develops a suspicious breast lump, doctors first assess the breast clinically and may recommend an ultrasound. Ultrasound can help distinguish between different types of breast changes and is commonly used during pregnancy.
If the findings are concerning, a biopsy may be advised to confirm the diagnosis. The results help doctors understand the type of breast cancer and decide the next steps. The treatment plan is usually discussed by a multidisciplinary team involving a gynaecologist, breast surgeon, medical oncologist and other specialists.
Treatment depends on the stage of pregnancy
Treatment cannot be the same for every pregnant woman diagnosed with breast cancer. Doctors consider the type and stage of cancer, the trimester of pregnancy and the mother’s overall health.
Surgery can be performed during pregnancy when required, depending on the individual case. Some chemotherapy medicines may also be considered after the first trimester when medically appropriate. However, certain treatments, including hormonal therapy, some targeted therapies, and radiation therapy, are generally avoided during pregnancy and may be planned after delivery. The timing of every treatment has to be carefully discussed with the patient.
Why the trimester matters?
The stage of pregnancy plays an important role in treatment planning. During the first trimester, the baby’s organs are developing rapidly, so doctors are particularly cautious about exposure to medicines that could affect fetal development.
As pregnancy progresses, treatment options may change. The oncology and obstetric teams work together to decide the safest approach while ensuring that cancer treatment is not unnecessarily delayed.
How is the baby monitored?
Pregnancy care becomes more closely coordinated when the mother is undergoing cancer treatment. Doctors may monitor fetal growth and development through regular ultrasound examinations and other assessments when required.
“The baby’s growth and well-being need to be followed along with the mother’s cancer treatment. We look at the gestational age, fetal growth, placental function, and the overall pregnancy before making decisions about follow-up and delivery. The aim is to ensure that both maternal treatment and pregnancy care are appropriately coordinated.
Can the pregnancy continue normally?
In many cases, pregnancy can continue while the mother receives carefully selected cancer treatment. However, the timing and mode of delivery depend on the mother’s cancer treatment, gestational age, fetal condition and overall clinical situation.
The expert may also plan delivery around cancer treatment schedules. It is important that delivery planning is not done in isolation but discussed between the obstetric and oncology teams.
Warning signs women should not ignore
Pregnant women should consult a doctor if they notice a breast lump that persists or grows, changes in breast size or shape, nipple inversion, unusual nipple discharge, skin dimpling, redness, thickening or swelling in the breast or underarm.
These changes do not automatically mean cancer. Pregnancy itself can cause several breast changes, but persistent or unusual symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to be pregnancy-related.
Emotional support matters too
A cancer diagnosis during pregnancy can cause significant fear and anxiety. Women may worry about their own health, the baby’s safety, and whether treatment will affect the pregnancy.
Women diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy should receive clear information and emotional support along with medical treatment. They should understand why a particular investigation or treatment is being recommended and how the pregnancy will be monitored. With coordinated care, doctors can plan treatment while keeping both maternal health and fetal well-being in focus.
Breast cancer during pregnancy requires individualised care, but pregnancy should not become a reason to ignore a suspicious breast change. Early evaluation, multidisciplinary treatment, and careful pregnancy monitoring can help doctors make timely decisions for both mother and baby.
Dr. Kaishreen Atteeque Ahmed (Khan) completed her MBBS from a government medical college and her DNB – Obstetrics & Gynecology from the National Board of Examination. Dr. Kaishreen Atteeque Ahmed( Khan) has completed her graduation & Post Graduation studies from the Prestigious Maharashtra University of Health Sciences and Diplomate of National Board New Delhi. She is practicing at Motherhood Hospitals Kharadi, Pune.
Dr. Kaishreen Atteeque Ahmed( Khan) specializes in Women’s care, Pregnancy Care, Gynecological laparoscopic surgeries like Hysterectomy, etc.. Dr. Kaishreen Atteeque Ahmed( Khan) also has experience in handling High-risk pregnancy, and infertility care. Dr. Kaishreen Atteeque Ahmed( Khan) has been awarded with various awards and was rated as the best Gynecologist of Apollo Pune. Her Patient satisfaction rate is highest which makes her the best out of all.