Pregnancy and cancer

Cancer and pregnancy resources and support services

You may also find the following resources helpful:

• Read the Cancer and Pregnancy booklet developed by Macmillan Cancer Support (UK).
• Join Cancer Council’s Online Community and connect with other people who have had an experience with cancer and pregnancy.
• The Leukaemia Foundation has specific information if you’re diagnosed with a blood cancer while pregnant.
• Have your questions and concerns about pregnancy and cancer, such as whether cancer can be passed from mother to baby, addressed by experts through iHeard.
• Read Wendy’s personal experience of being diagnosed with tongue cancer while she was 38 weeks pregnant.
• Listen to Breast Cancer Network Australia’s Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast episode about TV personality Sally Obermeder, who was 40 weeks pregnant when diagnosed with breast cancer. You can also read about Sally’s experience in her book, Never stop believing.
• Mummy’s Wish provides practical support to Australian mums who are diagnosed with cancer while their children are young (under 13 years old).
• Learn from other women through the pregnancy with cancer network, Hope for two (USA).
• The American Cancer Society provides information on treating certain types of cancer whilst pregnant. Please note this organisation is based in the USA and treatment protocols and options may differ to those available in Australia.

Cancer treatment and pregnancy

It’s possible to have cancer treatment during pregnancy. However, some cancer treatments can impact the development of an unborn baby, so it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctors before treatment begins. Speak with your obstetrics team about how you can monitor your baby’s health and development during your pregnancy, which could include more regular growth scans and testing.

The treatment recommended to you will be based on the type of cancer you have, whether it has spread to other parts of your body (its stage) and how to avoid harming your developing baby. Check with your specialist about how soon treatment for your cancer should begin, as it may not affect the success of the treatment to wait a while. Ask them to explain the options and take as much time as you can before deciding.

Some people choose not to have treatment while carrying a child. If cancer is diagnosed in the early weeks of pregnancy, some people decide to terminate the pregnancy so they can start treatment immediately, while others who are diagnosed later in the pregnancy choose to have their baby before the due date. In some cases, treatment can be delayed until after the baby’s birth.

It’s important to look after yourself during this time, both physically and emotionally. Accepting support from others, resting when you can and maintaining good nutrition can be helpful. Try to focus on what you can control and speak to your loved ones, or a trained counsellor or psychologist, if you feel overwhelmed.

Making treatment decisions

Making decisions about your cancer treatment and pregnancy can be challenging – and it is a different experience for everybody. There will likely be lots to consider, and you may be unsure or overwhelmed.

Know your options

Understanding the disease, available treatments, risks to your pregnancy and any extra costs can help you weigh up the options and make a well-informed decision.

Check if the specialist is part of a multidisciplinary team and if the treatment centre is the most appropriate one for you – you may be able to have treatment closer to home, or it might be worth travelling to a centre that specialises in a particular treatment.

Record the details

When your doctor first says you have cancer, you may not remember everything you are told, especially while you are pregnant. Taking notes can help, or you might like to ask if you can record the discussion. It is a good idea to have a family member, partner or friend go with you to appointments to join in the discussion, write notes or simply listen.

Ask questions

If you are confused or want to check anything, it is important to ask your specialist questions. Try to prepare a list before appointments. If you have a lot of questions, you could talk to a cancer care coordinator, social worker or call our cancer nurses on our 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line.

Consider a second opinion

Sometimes, certain symptoms of cancer and symptoms of pregnancy overlap, which can result in a delayed diagnosis. You may want to get a second opinion from another specialist to confirm or clarify your specialist’s recommendations, or for reassurance that you have explored all your options.

Specialists are used to people doing this. Your GP or specialist can refer you to another specialist and send your initial results to that person. You can get a second opinion even if you have started treatment or still want to be treated by your first doctor. You might decide you would prefer to be treated by the second specialist.

It's your decision

You have the right to accept or refuse any treatment you are offered. You may want to discuss your decision with your treatment team, GP, family and friends, or learn more about your rights and responsibilities.

Changes to your birth plan

A cancer diagnosis and treatment may change your birth plan. This might include delivery prior to full term or changes to either a planned caesarean or vaginal birth.

Make sure your oncologist is working closely with your obstetrician to develop a birth plan that suits you and your baby’s needs.

Breastfeeding during treatment

The type of treatment you are having, when you are having it and which area of your body is affected will determine whether you are able to breastfeed during treatment.

Some cancer treatments can make breastmilk unsafe for your baby. This is because the drugs used to fight cancer can be passed to your baby through your breastmilk. Speak to your doctors about whether it is safe for you to breastfeed during treatment.

Cancer treatment can also impact your ability to produce breastmilk. If your cancer treatment has or will impact on your ability to breastfeed, seek assistance from a lactation consultant.

Termination and miscarriage

As part of your cancer diagnosis and treatment, you may need to consider termination and the risk of miscarriage. These are extremely impactful and emotional issues, and support is available.

It is important to ask questions and have detailed discussions with your health care team if termination is required so you can fully understand the steps involved, the recovery process and what it will mean for you, both emotionally and physically.

If you need to have treatment or surgery that may result in miscarriage or increase risk to your baby, make sure that you fully understand these outcomes as well.

Resources and support for termination and miscarriage

If you are facing or have experienced miscarriage or termination, you may find the following resources and support services helpful:

• Griefline (1300 845 745)
• Sands Australia – miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support
• The Pink Elephants Support Network – miscarriage and early pregnancy loss
• Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
• Red Nose Grief and Loss
• The Royal Women’s Hospital’s reproductive loss service and information on miscarriage, stillbirth and death of a baby.

Fertility and cancer

Cancer and its treatment may impact your ability to have children in the future (fertility). Certain cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation therapy may damage your reproductive organs.

Talk to your doctors about the impact of cancer treatment on your fertility. You can also seek advice from a fertility specialist on ways to preserve or protect your ability to have children.

You may need to make fertility decisions before you’ve given much thought to whether you want to have children in the future. Even if your family is complete, you may still experience sadness or grief following the loss of your fertility.

Call our 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line to speak to our trusted cancer nurses, who can refer you to a range of tailored support services. You may also find it helpful to talk to a professional counsellor or psychologist about your feelings. Fertility clinics often offer a counselling service.

Having children after cancer

Here are a few common questions you may ask if you are considering having children after a cancer diagnosis:

Can I have a child after I’ve had cancer?

This is a very personal decision. A cancer diagnosis may affect the way you think and feel about having a child. If you have a partner, you will want to discuss your family plans together. Fertility clinics often have counsellors who can talk through the benefits and disadvantages of your situation.

How long should I wait to conceive after treatment?

This depends on many factors, including the type of cancer and type of treatment. Some cancer specialists advise waiting between six months and two years after treatment ends. This may be to allow your eggs to recover, and to ensure you remain in good health during this time. It’s best to discuss the timing and suitable contraception with your doctor.

Will getting pregnant bring back the cancer?

Research shows that for most cancers, pregnancy does not increase the chances of cancer coming back (recurring). However, being pregnant may affect your ability to undergo certain testing and monitoring for cancer. The types of symptoms you should be aware of may also be impacted by pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or to a fertility counsellor for more information and to help manage your concerns.

If I’ve had cancer, will my children get cancer?

Research shows that for most cancers, pregnancy does not increase the chances of cancer coming back (recurring). However, being pregnant may affect your ability to undergo certain testing and monitoring for cancer. The types of symptoms you should be aware of may also be impacted by pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or to a fertility counsellor for more information and to help manage your concerns.