Expecting a baby is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. But when a serious health concern arises, such as a cancer diagnosis, it can also become a time of uncertainty and fear.
For Pregnant Women Who Find Out They Have Cancer
As more women delay starting or completing their families until later in life, the occurrence of cancer during pregnancy has become less uncommon. As an example, breast is the most common cancer diagnosed during pregnancy.
For Pregnant Women Who Are Cancer Survivors
Advances in childhood or adolescent cancer treatments have allowed many women to survive into their reproductive years – with newer therapies often helping to preserve fertility. As a result, it is not unusual for women considering pregnancy to have a prior history of cancer treatment. These women often have important questions about whether their past cancer treatment may affect their pregnancy or baby and whether pregnancy could increase the change that their cancer recurs.
A Team Approach
If you are diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy, it’s critical to know all of your options and get expert help. It is possible to safely receive cancer treatment during pregnancy, although the type and timing of treatment may be adjusted based on the stage of your pregnancy.
At Cooper, we bring together a multidisciplinary team of experienced specialists to create a treatment plan for your cancer while also protecting your baby. Our team includes medical oncologists, maternal-fetal medicine physicians, surgical specialists and other experts who have experience in caring for patients with cancer during pregnancy. We are ready to work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that support both your health and your baby’s well-being.