Do cancer treatments raise the risk of miscarriage or birth complications in cancer survivors?
Some cancer treatments can increase a woman’s risk of miscarriage and other labor and birth complications. • Radiation therapy to the uterus may increase risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. • Removal of all or part of the cervix may increase risk of miscarriage or early delivery. • Radiation therapy to the whole abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, or to the entire body may increase risk of miscarriage, early delivery, or other problems. • Anthracycline chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin (Adriamycin), daunorubicin (Daunomycin, Cerubidine), epirubicin (Ellence) and idarubicin (Idamycin), in addition to radiation therapy to the upper abdomen or chest, may cause heart problems that can worsen during pregnancy and labor. No matter what treatment you have had, it is important to talk with your doctor about whether your body can safely handle a pregnancy. Your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist or obstetrician (a doctor who cares for a woman during and shortly aft
