Breast Cancer and Pregnancy
It is quite rare that breast cancer would strike a younger woman; but, it is not unheard of. All women are actually at risk. For women that are of childbearing age, a symptom of breast cancer followed by a positive diagnosis can be unexpected, as well as complicated. For women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, even into her forties, this can mean making difficult decisions about her future. A major concern, although very rare, is the potential for developing breast cancer during pregnancy. In cases such as this, the potential treatment options do not only affect the woman, but her unborn child, as well. Treatment options will vary based on the trimester of pregnancy and the stage at which the cancer has developed. Breast Cancer and Pregnancy - Treatment Therapies: Nowadays it is possible for a pregnant woman to obtain treatment for her cancer without harming her baby. Some women may be advised, or may even personally decide, to terminate their pregnancy, especially if the pregnancy is in the earliest stages. This is to enable them to receive treatments that would otherwise be too risky to both mother and child. It is vital to remember, however, that it is not medically necessary to terminate a pregnancy upon a breast cancer diagnosis. This diagnosis coupled with a pregnancy simply limits the treatment options available. It is not the breast cancer that will affect the unborn child; it is the types of testing and treatments that would. There are many drug related therapies that are avoided if a woman diagnosed with breast cancer is also pregnant, due to the risks associated with birth defects. There are some drug therapies, such as tamoxifen, that are considered to be quite unsafe whether the woman is pregnant or just planning to conceive. Surgery is the most common form of treatment for a pregnant woman, such as a mastectomy. Breast Cancer and Pregnancy - Controversy: Another controversial issue is whether or not women that have had breast cancer should go on to bear children in the future. There are people on both sides of the issue that are very verbal regarding their concerns and beliefs. The two main objectives in question are, for instance, how does breast cancer treatment affect a woman's fertility, and is there any safety issue for the mother or unborn child if a woman decides to carry a child after cancer or its treatments? As for fertility, there is no clear cut answer. It depends on many variables, such as the types of treatments that were used, as some treatments affect fertility and others do not. Those considering taking tomoxifen are strongly encouraged not to do so, even if it is recommended as a fertility treatment, as it has confirmed evidence that it can harm the developing embryo. Women are strongly encouraged to wait several years after their initial cancer occurrence before trying to once again conceive. Many women decide to conceive anyway because, to most women, the ability to have children is of utmost importance. If you have either questions or comments about Breast Cancer and Pregnancy why not share them with all our readers!. Healthy Lifestyle Questions and Answers
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I'm Tiffany - fifty something midlifer - 20 years experience! This site is packed with advice and information to help you get the most out of life by becoming, healthier, fitter, happier and ultimately taking you to a more satisfying future. C'mon, let's do it together!