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Chapter 10 - Cancer and Pregnancy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 October 2024

Laurie J. Mckenzie
Affiliation:
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
Denise R. Nebgen
Affiliation:
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
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Summary

The incidence of cancer during gestation has risen due to multiple factors such as advanced maternal age and improvement in cancer treatment, which has resulted in longer life span and a rising number of survivors who will then become pregnant. Whether a woman is diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or becomes pregnant after surviving the disease, navigating treatment for both the mother and the fetus can seem daunting for patients as well as their care providers, as there is a higher risk of morbidity for these patients. This chapter aims to describe safe diagnostic and therapeutic options during pregnancy and includes special considerations regarding survivors’ treatment. Breast cancer, lymphoma, leukemia and cervical cancer are the focus of the chapter and obstetric management of patients with these malignancies is addressed, including antenatal care, delivery considerations and breastfeeding.

Type
Chapter
Information
Caring for the Female Cancer Patient
Gynecologic Considerations
, pp. 147 - 178
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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