Pregnancy after breast cancer is possible. However, it depends entirely on the type of breast cancer, type of treatment taken, age, and risk of the cancer coming back early.
Breast cancer and fertility
Some treatments damage ovaries and cause delayed or immediate infertility. This can make getting pregnant harder. It is advised to wait 2 years after cancer treatment, to clear the 2-year-mark of breast cancer returning back. Each case is different, so seeking healthcare advice is crucial.
Pregnancy outcomes
History of breast cancer can cause complications in pregnancy, such as:
- Pre-mature delivery
- Having low-birth-weight baby
- Requiring a caesarean section (C-section)
However, no direct effect on the baby or no birth defects or long-term health concerns are noted.
Effect on the foetus/unborn child
- If you are still undergoing treatment/therapy for breast cancer – the drugs might affect your growing foetus.
- Safer to stop all treatment before getting pregnant
- Stopping treatment early can increase risk of cancer growing or coming back
Breast Feeding – To do or Not to do?
- Breastfeeding is possible for some.
- Breast surgery/radiation on the affected breast – can cause breastfeeding problems
- Reduced milk production in the breast & structural changes – can make breastfeeding painful
- If you are still taking medicines for breast cancer – talk to your doctor first about it
Source: Pregnancy After Breast Cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/living-as-a-breast-cancer-survivor/pregnancy-after-breast-cancer.html Accessed on 02-05-2022
Know the cancer – Breast cancer treatment
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