Cancer is a disease that has been increasing in the number of patients every day, among babies, children, and adults. It is a disease that does not discriminate by age, ethnicity, or even financial situation. The word cancer is the term used for a group that includes more than 200 diseases throughout the body, which is defined by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. When talking about this disease, it is inevitable to be scared and think of the worst, and what happens when cancer appears during pregnancy?

Since treatment is often very aggressive and based on strong medications such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the main concern is about the health of the fetus in contact with the treatment. On the other hand, the lack of adequate treatment puts the mother’s life at risk, which makes the situation even more delicate. Among the possible cancers that can arise during pregnancy, breast cancer accounts for about 50% of cases, with lymphomas and leukemia coming second at around 27% of statistics.

Early detection of any type of this disease is extremely important, especially cancer during pregnancy, as it is essential to prevent the fetus from being exposed to harmful treatment during its development. Throughout pregnancy, the period with the most restrictions and care is the first trimester, when the fetus is in full formation, and treatment must proceed with the utmost caution.

Treatment of Cancer During Pregnancy

According to oncologists, it is possible to offer safe treatments for cancer during pregnancy, and in some cases even perform surgical procedures to remove the cancer during gestation. As for exams for a diagnosis through ultrasound that do not use ionizing radiation, or mammography in the case of breast cancer, the use of a lead apron to protect the belly during pregnancy is essential.

When cancer is confirmed during pregnancy, chemotherapy is usually not recommended in the first trimester. During this period, the fetus is developing, and exposure to treatment can pose health risks for the baby. After the first three months of pregnancy, chemotherapy can be initiated. This is different from radiotherapy, which is not advised during pregnancy.

Normally, specialists manage and treat cancer during pregnancy in a way that allows control or reduction of the disease until the baby is born. More radical procedures can then be performed after birth to control the disease or carry out any necessary treatments without putting the baby at risk. From the moment cancer is discovered, treatment must always be accompanied by both the obstetrician and the oncologist, so that the health of the baby is safeguarded and the mother’s treatment is successful.

In most cases, deliveries are scheduled and cesarean sections are performed. Women who are undergoing cancer treatment and wish to get pregnant can rest assured. Provided the cancer does not involve the female reproductive organs, like the uterus or ovaries, and surgical removal during treatment is not necessary, it is entirely possible to become pregnant after finishing treatment.

For women with cancer in the uterus or ovaries, egg freezing is possible during treatment for a future pregnancy. If you are interested in this, talk to your oncologist, who will guide you to the best solutions for your situation. Thanks to advances in medicine, we are getting closer every day to finding a cure for cancer. In the meantime, more alternatives are being found to help and recover patients affected by the disease.

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