Breast Cancer & Fertility

Breast Cancer and Fertility: What You Need to Know

Can Pregnancy Cause Breast Cancer?

Pregnancy itself does not cause breast cancer. However, hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence the growth of existing breast cancer cells or undiagnosed cancer. Here's how:

Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy leads to increased estrogen and progesterone levels, which can promote the growth of some hormone-sensitive breast cancers. For women with undetected cancers, this could result in accelerated growth.

Cellular Changes: During pregnancy, breast tissue undergoes significant changes, preparing for breastfeeding. In some cases, these changes might mask the symptoms of breast cancer, leading to later diagnoses.

It's important to note that breast cancer is generally considered rare during pregnancy, and the benefits of pregnancy for many women outweigh potential risks.

Fertility After Breast Cancer Treatment

Many women can still conceive after receiving breast cancer treatment. One of the key things that influence this is whether your breast cancer was oestrogen positive or not. This is something you will be guided through by your breast cancer team. Factors that play a role in fertility include:

Type of Treatment: Treatments such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy can affect fertility based on dosage and type. Some women may experience temporary infertility, while others may have lasting effects.

Age: The age at which a woman is diagnosed also affects her fertility. Women diagnosed at a younger age generally have a better chance of conceiving.

Ovarian Function: Certain chemotherapy drugs are more likely to affect ovarian function. Some women may choose to consult a fertility specialist before treatment to discuss options for preserving fertility, such as egg or embryo freezing.

Pregnancy After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

For women who are considering pregnancy after a breast cancer diagnosis, here are some important considerations:

Timing: Doctors usually recommend waiting for at least 1-2 years after treatment before trying to conceive. This allows time for recovery and decreases the risk of recurrence during the early post-treatment period.

Follow-Up Care: Continued follow-up care is essential. Consult with your oncologist and obstetrician to create a plan for monitoring your health during pregnancy.

Individualised Assessment: Each woman’s situation is unique. Factors such as the type of breast cancer, stage at diagnosis, and treatment received will influence expert recommendations.

Risks of Recurrence in Future Pregnancies

Some women worry about the risk of breast cancer recurrence during or following a pregnancy. Here’s what you should know:

-Recurrence Rates: Pregnancy does not increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. In fact, studies show that women who have children after breast cancer may have reported lower recurrence rates. However this is very much dependent on whether your breast cancer was oestrogen positive or not. Your team will guide you with the best information for your specific diagnosis.

- Monitoring During Pregnancy: Your healthcare team will monitor you closely for any changes in breast health, which is essential for early detection if recurrence were to occur.

Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer

Many women diagnosed with breast cancer are concerned about their ability to breastfeed after treatment. Here’s what you need to know:

- Breastfeeding is Possible: Depending on the type of surgery (lumpectomy vs. mastectomy) and any radiation therapy received, many women are still able to breastfeed successfully.

- Impact of Treatment: Chemotherapy typically doesn’t affect milk supply or breastfeeding ability. However, some hormonal therapies may impact breastfeeding. It is vital to discuss your specific treatment plan with your healthcare provider.

- Support and Resources: If you choose to breastfeed, consider reaching out to lactation consultants who have experience working with breast cancer survivors. They can provide tailored support and strategies for breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Navigating the path after a breast cancer diagnosis can be challenging, especially when considering pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, many women can successfully conceive, have healthy pregnancies, and breastfeed after treatment. A lot of these options are dependenent on your type of cancer and treatment (surgical). Speak to your team for more specific guidance who will be well versed at how to navigate you through this. The ultimate thing to know is that pregnancy after breast cancer is possible, and breast feeding is possible depending on treatment and previous diagnosis.

Important Takeaways

- Consult Healthcare Professionals: Always discuss your individual situation with your oncologist and obstetrician to develop the best plan for you.

- Emotional Support: Consider joining support groups where you can connect with others who have had similar experiences. Sharing feelings and concerns can be incredibly helpful.

- Knowledge is Power: The more you know about your situation, the better decisions you can make for yourself and your family.

We have interviewed many women who were diagnosed during pregnancy, or who have become pregnant after a breast cancer diagnosis. Their stories can be found on our Voices page and their interviews are available on our podcasts.