Is it safe to start cancer treatment while 6 weeks pregnant?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 38-year-old woman diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer while breastfeeding my 8-month-old daughter. I noticed the lump during a breastfeeding session, and now I am devastated that I have to stop nursing immediately to start chemotherapy. I am also 6 weeks pregnant with my second child (unplanned - we were using the lactational amenorrhea method for contraception). My oncologist recommends immediate chemotherapy, but I am scared about the effects on my unborn baby.

Should I terminate this pregnancy to start treatment?
What about prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy if I am BRCA-positive?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am truly sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the difficult decisions you are facing. It is understandable to feel overwhelmed right now. Chemotherapy during pregnancy can pose risks to the unborn baby, especially in the first trimester. Termination of pregnancy is a deeply personal decision and should be discussed thoroughly with your oncologist and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

Regarding prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy, if you are BRCA (breast cancer gene) positive, these surgeries can significantly reduce the risk of future breast and ovarian cancers. However, they also come with their own risks and implications, which should be carefully considered with your healthcare team.

Thank you.