Because of the high hormone levels related to pregnancy, there has been concern that pregnancy after breast cancer could hurt a woman’s chances for long-term survival. The studies done to date, however, show that pregnancy after treatment does not seem to affect survival [56,57].
Even though pregnancy after treatment does not appear to lower survival, there are many issues for survivors to consider when thinking about having a child. Some of these issues are described below. Ultimately, though, having a child is a personal decision. A woman's family and friends, health care provider, counselor, clergy or support group can help her think through the issues so that she can decide what is right for her.
Going Through Early Menopause
Another issue for survivors is early menopause, a potential side effect of chemotherapy. Early menopause ends a woman's chance for a natural pregnancy. The older a woman is, the more likely that chemotherapy will bring on menopause. For younger women who had planned to have children before they were diagnosed with breast cancer, treatment-induced infertility can be very upsetting. But, there are options, that increase the chances a woman will be able to have children after treatment. These include storing embryos before treatment begins and using a drug during therapy that may help protect the ovaries from damage. Organizations such as Fertile Hope can give financial aid when insurance providers do not cover fertility services. For more on fertility options, see the Treatment section.
When early menopause is permanent, other options include adoption and egg donation [59].
Breastfeeding
Some treatments for breast cancer can have an impact on a woman’s ability to breastfeed. For women who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy (also called breast conserving surgery) plus radiation, breastfeeding from the untreated breast should be fairly normal. However, feeding from the treated breast following lumpectomy plus radiation may be difficult. Both the surgery and radiation therapy can harm tissue needed for breastfeeding. While feeding from the treated breast is possible (and the milk is safe for the baby), it is not common and the amount of milk produced is often greatly reduced [63,64].
Other Concerns
Some survivors with a strong family history of breast cancer may have concerns about passing on a potential high risk of cancer. Others may feel good about passing on a range of family traits, even if this may include a higher risk of breast cancer.
Some women with metastatic breast cancer may worry about having a child for fear that they may not live long enough to raise the child. Others believe that even if they do die, they can still give their child the love and care he/she needs while they are with her.
Updated 09/12/09
