Study: Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Often Delayed in Pregnant Women

Breast cancer is frequently not immediately diagnosed in expectant mothers because doctors assume that lumps are due to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, according to a Spanish researcher.

Dr. Blanca Hernando of the University Hospital Clinic in Valencia, reporting at a meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology, said that in a study of 18 women with breast cancer, diagnosis had been delayed an average of 10 weeks from the time a lump was noticed.

""The obstetrician is usually more focused on the health of the unborn baby than the mother's possible illness but should be more aware of the risk of breast cancer," said Hernando.

Hernando said the increased density of the breast during pregnancy leads to a high rate of false-negative results of a mammography, and said ultrasonogaphy is the best way to check for cancerous lumps in pregnant and lactating women.

"Breast cancer during pregnancy has about the same prognosis as other breast cancer, when compared to women of a similar age," said Hernando. "It is, of course, a very serious illness but it can be treated successfully. The most important thing is to be diagnosed and treated at an early stage to prevent it spreading to other parts of the body."

Other Sources: European Society for Medical Oncology.