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RETHINK breastcancer

Ask The Expert

Welcome to our "ASK THE EXPERT Series" featured on breast cancer now what?

 

This section interacts with our live Special Guest Chat sessions.  Every month a leading oncology expert will be available to answer questions during a real time Special Guest Chat session. You will have the opportunity during the live chat to ask questions of the expert.  After the chat hour, the transcript of the chat is placed in the breast cancer now what discussion board for people to review afterwards and to comment upon.  Our expert will take that transcritp and fachion a response article just like this one below.  Check out past topics posted in the Ask the Expert Archives.

 

 

Dr. Hannah Carolan

Dr. Hannah Carolan, FRCPC is a Radiation Oncologist practicing at the Fraser Valley Cancer Centre in Surrey, British Columbia. In addition to treating breast cancer, gynecologic cancers and brain tumours, she is developing a decision-aid for patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast. When not working, she spends time trying to keep up with her young family.

 

Having children after breast cancer is a very personal decision for you and your family. Here are Dr. Caralan's answers to questions on pregnancy after breast cancer.

 

Pregnancy after Breast Cancer

 

Is the cancer more likely to come back if I have a baby?

Doctors have wondered whether the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy increase the risk of breast cancer coming back (recurrence). The risk of breast cancer recurrence has been compared in women who became pregnant after breast cancer and those who did not become pregnant. These comparisons have shown that becoming pregnant after breast cancer does not appear to increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

 

 

What is my personal risk of this cancer coming back in the years ahead?

Again, becoming pregnant is a very personal decision for you and your family. You were probably given many numbers at the time of your diagnosis explaining the risk of the cancer coming back in your personal situation. I think it is reasonable to ask your oncologist to review those risks with you if you are thinking of making a major change in your life, such as pregnancy. It may be important for you and your family to understand the chance of the cancer coming back and the chance of the cancer threatening your life if you are thinking of having a child.

 

Also, some oncologists recommend that patients wait for 2-3 years after breast cancer treatments before trying to become pregnant. You should also discuss the timing of a pregnancy with your oncologist before you try to become pregnant.

 

 

Is taking breast cancer medications alright while being pregnant?

Women should not become pregnant while taking the breast cancer medication tamoxifen. If you are taking tamoxifen, you must discuss this with your oncologist before you try to become pregnant. In addition, if you are on other medications for breast cancer (such as Herceptin) please discuss with your oncologist whether you should delay pregnancy until these medications are completed.

 

In summary, it does not seem that becoming pregnant increases your risk of your cancer coming back. It might be helpful for you and your family to review the risks associated with your personal cancer in order to make decisions about the future.
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