Does pregnancy increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence?
Because many breast cancers are sensitive to estrogen, there has been concern that if you had been treated for breast cancer, high hormone levels during pregnancy might increase the chance of recurrence. Research has now shown, however, that being pregnant does not increase a woman’s risk of developing more breast cancer. This is true as long as your tumor has not spread beyond the breast area and was treated successfully. It is always best to discuss your specific case with your breast surgeon and medical oncologist. Doctors often counsel women to wait at least 2 years after breast cancer therapy (surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy) before becoming pregnant. The 2-year period is used because most recurrences of breast cancer happen during that time.
Because many breast cancers are sensitive to estrogen, there was concern that in a young woman who had been treated for breast cancer, high hormone levels during pregnancy might increase the chance of recurrence. Research has now shown, however, that being pregnant does not increase a young woman’s risk of developing more breast cancer. This is true as long as her tumor has not spread beyond the breast area and was treated with success. Doctors often counsel women to wait until at least two years after breast cancer therapy (surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy) before becoming pregnant. The two-year period is used because most recurrences of breast cancer happen during that time. Questions and Answers: Young Women and Breast Cancer Q. Is the number of young women being diagnosed with breast cancer increasing? A. American Cancer Society data show that the number of breast cancer cases in women aged 20-39 has been essentially stable over the past ten years. The most significant increase
