Pregnancy after breast cancer

Although only a few studies have been done, nearly all have found that pregnancy does not increase the risk of the cancer coming back after successful treatment. Still, many doctors advise breast cancer patients not to become pregnant for at least 2 years after all treatment is over. This would allow any early return of the cancer to be found, which in turn could affect a woman's decision to become pregnant. But this 2-year wait period is not based on strong scientific evidence.

Still, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone treatment drugs can affect the fetus, so it isn’t safe to get pregnant until all treatment is over. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Sometimes counseling can help you sort out the complex issues about motherhood and breast cancer survivorship.