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Many partners of young adults with breast cancer wonder how cancer and its treatment will affect their ability to become pregnant in the future. Considering pregnancy after a breast cancer diagnosis can be very difficult, as it may be harder after treatment than it otherwise would have been.
If you and your partner with breast cancer might want to get pregnant after their treatment is done, it is best to learn more and talk with their doctor, a fertility expert, a social worker, or another counselor. You may also be wondering if it is safe for your loved one and future child. Below are some answers to commonly asked questions.
Is it safe for my partner to become pregnant after breast cancer?
Yes, we believe it is safe. Studies show that the chances of dying from breast cancer do not increase due to pregnancy after treatment. However, studies are limited and some experts remain concerned. Those with a history of breast cancer continue to be at risk of recurrence both during and after a pregnancy. (Recurrence means breast cancer returning to the breast area or other parts of the body.)
Is pregnancy after breast cancer safe for my future child?
Yes. Having a parent with a history of breast cancer treatment should not increase the risk of birth defects in a future child. This is true as long as treatment medications have been stopped at least 3 months before getting pregnant.
We strongly recommend that your partner with breast cancer avoid getting pregnant while undergoing chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy (like tamoxifen). Both can cause birth defects to a fetus (unborn child), especially during the first trimester. To avoid pregnancy, be sure to use contraception methods that are considered safe for young adults with breast cancer (such as non-hormonal methods like condoms or a copper IUD), if necessary for her kind of cancer.
Is it safe for my partner to become pregnant after breast cancer?
Yes, we believe it is safe. Studies show that the chances of dying from breast cancer do not increase due to pregnancy after treatment. However, studies are limited and some experts remain concerned. Those with a history of breast cancer continue to be at risk of recurrence both during and after a pregnancy. (Recurrence means breast cancer returning to the breast area or other parts of the body.)
Is pregnancy after breast cancer safe for my future child?
Yes. Having a parent with a history of breast cancer treatment should not increase the risk of birth defects in a future child. This is true as long as treatment medications have been stopped at least 3 months before getting pregnant.
We strongly recommend that your partner with breast cancer avoid getting pregnant while undergoing chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy (like tamoxifen). Both can cause birth defects to a fetus (unborn child), especially during the first trimester. To avoid pregnancy, be sure to use contraception methods that are considered safe for young adults with breast cancer (such as non-hormonal methods like condoms or a copper IUD), if necessary for her kind of cancer.
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For more information regarding treatment effects, protecting fertility, and contraception, please visit our Fertility pages.
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