Be Careful, More and More Pregnant Women Affected by Lung Cancer

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The chances of you having lung cancer when you are pregnant are rare, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. There are many cases of women undergoing cancer treatment during pregnancy. Research shows that cancer occurs in 1 in 1000 pregnancies, and lung cancer is one of them. Chances are, the reason is that the age of a woman during childbirth is increasing for the first time, even up to 30 years and above. Although such cases are rare, it is important to recognize the signs and treatment options during pregnancy.

What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer during pregnancy?

Cancer during pregnancy is rare, but it may occur. Today's women often wait until they are older to have children, and the risk of cancer increases with age, so they may develop cancer during pregnancy. Doctors often find lung cancer during routine checks on pregnant women.

Symptoms of lung cancer in pregnant women are often not seen, because the symptoms are similar to symptoms of pregnancy, namely: coughing, shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue.

How to treat lung cancer while pregnant?

Treatment of lung cancer in pregnant women is the same as treatment in general people. However, treatment for lung cancer can harm the fetus, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women with lung cancer are advised to delay treatment until the second or third trimester. Each treatment will be tailored to the condition of the mother, depending on:

location of cancer
type of cancer
cancer stage
age of the fetus
mother's wishes.

Some doctors will recommend waiting until labor to take care. Similar to treatment in normal people, treatment of lung cancer in pregnant women includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery is the safest treatment for lung cancer, especially after the first trimester.

Chemotherapy during the first trimester can cause birth defects and low birth weight, or can cause miscarriage. However, some chemotherapy and other drugs can be given during the second and third trimesters, without causing harm to the fetus due to protection from the placenta.

Radiation can harm the fetus, especially during the first trimester, where the baby's organs and nervous systems are developing. Radiation therapy is usually not recommended at this time. Can therapy be used in the second or third trimester depending on the radiation dose and area of the body to be treated.

What happens to cancer after labor?

Generally, cancer does not affect pregnancy, and pregnancy does not affect cancer. But treatment for cancer can have harmful effects on the fetus. After delivery, the child does not have the risk of getting cancer cells from the mother, but treatments such as chemotherapy can decrease to the child through breast milk. Your doctor may recommend not breastfeeding your child.

In addition, hormonal changes can also cause cancer development. Immediately take care as soon as possible. Immediate treatment is the safest choice for some women with advanced cancer or aggressive cancer found early in pregnancy.

3 important things about lung cancer you need to know

Lung cancer can occur to anyone. Anyone who has a lung can develop lung cancer. Although 90% of lung cancer sufferers are smokers, 10% are non-smokers, including young and healthy pregnant women.

Don't ignore symptoms. Common signs of lung cancer such as chronic cough, breath sounds, shortness of breath, fatigue, or pneumonia can be signs of other health conditions. You need to be sure to consult with your doctor.

Research on treating lung cancer continues to grow, which is a good sign. New medicines are being developed to help mothers see their children grow.

If you are pregnant and your doctor diagnoses you with lung cancer, don't feel depressed. The doctor and medical team will do their best to give you the best care.

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