The appearance of that sudden lump is already a terrifying prospect for any woman! It can be more so for a pregnant woman who will be overwhelmed about about how far the breast cancer can affect the fetus or the baby.

But they need not be overly concerned. Pregnant women who develop breast cancer do not have worse odds of death or of cancer returning than other young breast cancer patients, a new study has found. The study is one of the largest to look at whether breast cancer hits pregnant and recently pregnant women harder than other women. It contradicts some earlier studies that suggested maternity made things worse.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Beth Beadle of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center says, “If we can get them early, we can treat them aggressively and have good and promising outcomes for both woman and child,”. This study should definitely hold credibility as the Houston hospital has the world’s largest registry of pregnant breast cancer patients and their children.

Of course, Radiation (dangerous to a fetus) is commonly used in mammography and breast cancer treatment. But ultrasound can be used to look for breast tumors instead. And surgery and certain kinds of chemotherapy can treat the cancer without poisoning the womb.

So those of you, who are suspecting the unfortunate possibility of breast cancer during this special time of your pregnancy, do not be unduly worried. Go ahead and talk to your doctor.

Via: AP