Pregnancy-associated cancers were associated with higher 5-year mortality rates than non-pregnancy-associated cancers, with breast and stomach cancers having the greatest risks.

Pregnancy is a wondrous and exciting time for many expectant mothers. As they prepare to bring new life into the world, they often focus on their health and well-being to ensure a safe and successful pregnancy. However, recent studies have uncovered a startling fact: pregnancy-associated cancers can increase overall 5-year mortality rates. With the incidence of these types of cancers on the rise, it’s crucial to understand the dangers they pose and how they can impact both mother and child. In this article, we’ll explore the link between pregnancy and cancer, why these cancers are increasing, and what expectant mothers can do to protect themselves and their babies.


A recent study has revealed that women who are diagnosed with cancer during their pregnancy or within a year after giving birth have a higher risk of mortality than those diagnosed at other times. The empirical evidence gathered by Zoe F Cairncross and her associates, as reported in JAMA Oncology, included 1,014 participants diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy, 3,074 who were diagnosed during the postpartum period and 20,219 who were diagnosed during periods remote from pregnancy. The women included in the study were aged between 18 to 50 years and were living in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, Canada. All these women were later diagnosed with cancer during the years 2003 to 2016. The study aimed to assess the survival rates of women who were diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy, postpartum and other times, with the primary outcomes being overall survival at 1 and 5 years and time from cancer diagnosis to death due to any cause. 
 
The study found that women who were pregnant during their cancer diagnosis or were diagnosed 1 year post-partum had greater 5-year mortality as compared to those not diagnosed near pregnancy. However, the risks were not the same for all types of cancer. Some types of cancer, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and stomach cancer, presented greater risk during pregnancy. Likewise, diagnoses of brain cancer, melanoma cancers and breast cancer presented higher risk during the postpartum period compared to periods remote from pregnancy. The researchers suggest that their findings indicate the need for future research on cancer sites to guide counseling and clinical care. 
 
The limited evidence available on long-term health outcomes following diagnosis of cancer outside of breast cancer is vulnerable to certain explanations, the most notable being that hormonal changes in pregnancy, delivery and lactation enhance the growth of malignant cells, producing a more aggressive and advanced disease at time of diagnosis. Diagnostic delay may also play a role because common physiologic changes during pregnancy and postpartum may mimic early physical symptoms of cancer. The study underscores the importance of more research on each cancer site, so as to provide robust evidence to guide counseling and clinical care of affected patients. 
 
While one-year survival was similar amongst participants in all three groups, overall 5-year survival was lower among participants in the pregnancy-associated cancer group, over the total study group period of 2003 to 2016. Given that the limited evidence on long-term health outcomes observe poorer survival associated with pregnancy and post-partum breast cancer, it is said that future research is required to continue to advance counseling and clinical care.


In conclusion, it is important for all pregnant women to be aware of the potential risks of developing cancer during pregnancy. While these types of cancers are rare, they can have serious consequences for both the mother and the unborn child. Regular prenatal visits and cancer screenings can help detect and treat these cancers early, improving the chances for survival. It is also important for healthcare providers to carefully monitor pregnant women with a history of cancer or other risk factors, and to consider the potential impact of cancer treatment on the developing fetus. With increased awareness and early detection, we can reduce the impact of pregnancy-associated cancers and improve outcomes for women and their families.