Breast Cancer During and After Pregnancy

Should I report a breast change during pregnancy?

Yes. Breast changes are common during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but a new lump or other unusual change still needs assessment. Contact your GP or midwife rather than assuming the change is part of pregnancy. Tell the breast clinic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so tests can be planned appropriately.

Can treatment start before my baby is born?

Surgery can be considered in any trimester. Chemotherapy is not given in the first trimester; some medicines may be offered later in pregnancy with monitoring. This does not mean every chemotherapy medicine is suitable or without risk. Radiotherapy is usually postponed, and hormone therapy is not given during pregnancy. Your specialists decide which treatments can be used and when.

Discuss the exact medicine, how far along the pregnancy is, monitoring and delivery plans with both teams. Do not use a general website to choose a treatment or decide to delay one. Ask for written information and further support if decisions feel overwhelming.

How will decisions about continuing pregnancy be supported?

Many people continue pregnancy while having treatment. Depending on how urgently particular treatment is needed, the team may discuss different options, including ending a pregnancy. You should be supported to understand those options and make your own decision, with specialist and emotional support.

Can I breastfeed while having treatment?

Ask about each medicine and test before breastfeeding. Chemotherapy can pass into breast milk, and breastfeeding is not advised during chemotherapy. Tamoxifen is also unsuitable while breastfeeding. Other treatments have their own precautions and waiting periods. Your oncologist, pharmacist and maternity team can advise on feeding and how to stop breastfeeding if needed.

When can I plan pregnancy after breast cancer?

There is no single safe waiting period for everyone. Your team considers the cancer, treatment, recovery and medicines still being taken. Pregnancy after breast cancer does not appear to increase recurrence risk, but an individual discussion is still needed. Do not pause hormone therapy or other cancer medicines without agreeing a plan with your specialist.

Periods stopping does not always mean that pregnancy is impossible. Ask which contraception to use during treatment and for how long afterwards. If you might be pregnant while taking a cancer medicine, contact your treatment team promptly.

Where can I get help with future fertility or feeding?

If you are not pregnant and may want children later, ask about fertility preservation before cancer treatment begins. You can ask even if you are unsure about future family plans. For feeding after treatment, ask your breast care and maternity teams about the effect of surgery, radiotherapy and medicines, and whether specialist feeding support would help.