Breast cancer during pregnancy

Pregnancy does not make every breast change cancerous. Normal hormonal changes can make breasts larger, tender, or lumpy, but a new persistent change still deserves examination.

The diagnosis and its extent are assessed with tests selected to protect both the pregnant person and the developing baby. The care team considers the cancer type and location, whether it has spread, the stage of pregnancy, and the person's health and preferences.

Treatment can include surgery, medicines, or radiotherapy, but the sequence and timing may differ during pregnancy. Some options can be used during particular stages of pregnancy, while others may be postponed until after birth. An oncology team and an obstetric team should plan these decisions together.

Arrange a clinical assessment for a breast lump or another change that does not settle. Tell the clinician how long it has been present, whether it is changing, and how far the pregnancy has progressed. Do not delay an appointment because you assume the change is caused by pregnancy.

After a diagnosis, ask for a shared plan covering further tests, treatment timing, pregnancy monitoring, birth planning, breastfeeding, and symptom control. Before taking medicines, supplements, or herbal products, check them with the teams managing the cancer and pregnancy because some products can affect treatment.

Seek prompt medical assessment for a new breast or underarm lump, skin dimpling, nipple pulling inward, an unusual nipple discharge, or a change in breast shape that persists. Breast redness, warmth, and fever also need timely review because infection may require treatment.

If you are receiving cancer treatment, follow the team's urgent-contact instructions for fever, breathing difficulty, uncontrolled vomiting, severe pain, heavy bleeding, reduced fetal movement when movements are normally felt, or any sudden deterioration.

Ask which tests are needed now, what the results show about the cancer, and how pregnancy changes the timing of each treatment. You may also want to discuss who will coordinate oncology and maternity appointments, how the baby will be monitored, and whether the plan affects delivery or breastfeeding.