Can a pregnant woman develop breast cancer?

Yes. Breast cancer occurs once in about 3,000 pregnancies. Most women who develop breast cancer during or just after pregnancy are between the ages of 32 and 38.

It can be difficult to find breast cancer in pregnant or nursing women because their breasts are often tender and swollen. This can make small lumps difficult to find and may lead to delays in diagnosing the cancer. For this reason, breast cancer in women who are pregnant or nursing is often diagnosed at a later stage, when it is more difficult to treat.

Breast cancer cells do not seem to pass from the mother to the fetus. Also, the fetus does not seem to be affected if the mother has had breast cancer previously.

Breast cancer treatment choices for pregnant women depend on the stage of the disease and the age of the fetus. Treatments can often be planned to make them safer for the fetus. Ending the pregnancy does not seem to improve the mother's chance of survival and is not usually a treatment choice.

Pregnant and nursing women should have breast exams as part of their regular prenatal care.

For more information on breast cancer during pregnancy, call the Cancer Information Service at 800-4-CANCER.

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