Can Pregnancy Mask Cancer Symptoms?
Rising Cases, Rare Occurrence
Cancer during pregnancy is rare, but cases are increasing worldwide, including in countries like Australia. While researchers are still investigating why this is happening, it is clear that the condition presents unique challenges for both diagnosis and treatment.
How Common Is Cancer During Pregnancy?
In 1994, about 94 women per 100,000 giving birth in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, were diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or within a year of delivery. By 2013, this number had risen to 163 per 100,000, according to a comprehensive study. Similar findings were reported in a 2023 Swedish study spanning 1973–2017.
Roughly one-quarter of these cases are diagnosed during pregnancy, while the majority are discovered within the year after birth.
Types of Cancers Associated with Pregnancy
The most common cancers diagnosed during or after pregnancy are:
- Breast cancer
- Skin cancer (especially melanoma)
- Thyroid cancer
- Gynaecological (such as cervical and ovarian cancers)
- Blood cancers
Gastrointestinal cancers are less common but carry the highest mortality rate. Many symptoms of these cancers—such as abdominal pain and fatigue—overlap with typical pregnancy symptoms, making early detection more challenging.
Why Are Cases Increasing?
Researchers believe several factors may contribute to the rising number of pregnancy-associated cancers:
- Maternal Age: In high-income countries, women have children later in life. Since cancer risk increases with age, this could partially explain the trend. However, evidence linking maternal age to these cancers is inconclusive.
- Improved Screening: Advanced prenatal genetic screening, which analyzes DNA from the mother’s blood, is increasingly used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses. Occasionally, these tests also uncover early signs of cancers in the mother, such as breast, colorectal, or Hodgkin disease.
- Hormonal Influence: Pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone support fetal development but may also stimulate the growth of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental risks like ultraviolet (UV) exposure may play a role. For example, melanoma is prevalent in Australia, where high UV exposure is common. Smoking and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are also linked to certain cancers, such as cervical cancer.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Pregnancy can complicate cancer diagnosis and treatment:Â Â
- Delayed Diagnosis: Overlapping symptoms of pregnancy and cancer, such as fatigue or acid reflux, may lead to delayed recognition.
- Treatment Adjustments: Cancer treatments must consider the well-being of both mother and fetus.
Treatment Options During Pregnancy
- Surgery: Generally safe during any trimester, depending on the cancer type and location.
- Chemotherapy: Avoided in the first trimester due to risks to the fetus but can usually be administered in the second and third trimesters.
- Radiotherapy: Requires careful planning to minimize risks to the developing fetus.
- Targeted Immunotherapy: Often postponed until after delivery, as it may require the mother to avoid breastfeeding.
Impact on Babies
Most babies born to mothers with pregnancy-associated cancers do well. However, some are born prematurely due to planned early deliveries, allowing the mother to receive timely treatment. Premature birth may lead to:
- Low birth weight
- Low Apgar scores (a measure of the baby’s health after birth)
Encouragingly, no increase in stillbirths or infant deaths has been linked to pregnancy-associated cancers.
Impact on Babies
While progress has been made in understanding pregnancy-associated cancers, many questions remain. Researchers aim to uncover the factors behind rising cases and improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies. Early detection and tailored treatment remain critical in managing this complex condition.
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This growing field of research highlights the importance of continued advancements in prenatal care and cancer treatment. For now, awareness and early diagnosis remain key to improving the outlook for women facing this challenging dual journey of pregnancy and cancer.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Priya Bairagi
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
