51É«APP

Being pregnant is already an emotional and eventful time. If you are diagnosed with cancer during your pregnancy, it can add a lot more questions and concerns. 

You may feel frightened and isolated, and wonder how cancer and its treatments will affect you and your baby.

Maggie51É«APP™s is here to support you and the people close to you.

51É«APP cancer during pregnancy

Cancer during pregnancy is rare. Each year in the UK, only one or two in a thousand women are diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy.

The most common cancers that may occur during pregnancy are:

• breast
• cervical
• thyroid
• lymphoma
• melanoma
• Gestational Trophoblastic Tumours (GTT)

Cancer rarely affects the baby or their development, and there are several safe cancer treatments you can have during your pregnancy.  

Sometimes, cancer can take longer to diagnose during pregnancy, because some cancer symptoms are similar to changes caused by pregnancy hormones, such as breast swelling, tenderness, new lumps, nausea and feeling tired.

If you have symptoms you’re concerned about, then you should discuss them with your doctor.

Cancer and your pregnancy

If you’re diagnosed with cancer during your pregnancy, it can be a huge shock and it can feel like a lot to take in. Family and friends are also likely to be anxious on your behalf.

If you are seeing your doctor for symptoms, always let your doctor know if there51É«APP™s a chance you may be pregnant, as it may change the possible tests they carry out and treatments they recommend.

If you are diagnosed with cancer whilst you are pregnant, the treatment options may differ depending on:

• how many weeks pregnant you are
• the type of cancer you have
• how the cancer may be growing
• if the cancer has spread

Your healthcare team will talk you through the best treatment options for your individual situation.

Specialist cancer care team during pregnancy

With any cancer, your treatment plan and care will be discussed by a team of specialists at regular meetings.

If you are pregnant, the team will also include an obstetrician – a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and childbirth.

It’s important that your GP, midwife and health visitor are are also involved, as they will be monitoring you too.

Tests

There may be some cancer tests you cannot have because of the risk to your baby, particularly in the first three months of gestation.

However, most cancer tests can be carried out safely as the risk to your baby is small.

Your specialist team will let you know of specific tests and their risks, and guide you through any treatment planning and decision making.

Risks to you and your baby

After a cancer diagnosis, your first thoughts may be about the future and the impact of treatments on you and the baby.

There may be some difficult decisions to be made about when to start treatment and which treatments to have, as well as considerations your own health and wellbeing.

Delaying cancer treatment during pregnancy

In many cases, treatments can wait until the second trimester or later, when any risks to your baby may be lower. Research has found that cancer doesn’t appear to grow any quicker because of a pregnancy.

If you do decide to delay treatment, you would be monitored closely during the pregnancy then start treatment once the baby is born.

Delivering your baby early

In some cases, babies are delivered early to allow treatment to begin. This is something your doctor will discuss with you if it is relevant to your type of cancer and treatment options.

Termination

Sometimes, particularly if the type of cancer is fast growing, a termination may be discussed. This is because some treatments can affect a baby’s development in the first trimester.

It is important that you are fully supported in your decision making, as this is a very personal choice.

Getting support around pregnancy and cancer

It is important for you and your family to have support through your pregnancy and beyond.

You may have a lot of information to absorb at a time when you feel at your most vulnerable.

Many people find it helpful to talk through their feelings and responses to what is happening around them.

• Talk through things with those close to you, family and friends, if you can. They may be very worried but they likely also want to help and support you, both practically and emotionally.
• Your specialist healthcare team will understand that you may have fears, worries and questions. Let them know how you feel, especially if you’re feeling low or struggling to cope.
• If you have other children to think about, then speaking to teachers, your GP, health visitor, and your children's school or college can help to provide them with support too.
• Ask about emotional support from others. The hospital team can refer you to a counsellor or psychologist to talk things through. There is a charity called ‘, which provides support for pregnant women and their families from diagnosis onwards.
• Just come in to your nearest Maggie51É«APP™s centre for expert emotional, psychological and practical support, including benefits advice. Talking to others about your cancer and pregnancy can help give back a sense of control, and help you build supportive relationships as your treatment progresses.
• You can also find support and advice from your specific cancer type websites, as they will have specialist knowledge about pregnancy and treatments.

What now?

• Talk to your healthcare team about what side effects to expect during your cancer treatment, particularly with your pregnancy, and ask your healthcare team about who you should contact when you are concerned about a new or current symptom. 
• Come in to your nearest Maggie's centre and talk to one of our cancer support specialists. They will help you find the right support for you.

Last review: May 2026 | Next review: May 2029