Cancer in Pregnancy
Cancer during pregnancy is rare, but when it happens, it presents a deeply emotional and complex journey for patients and families. Cancer occurs in about one in 1,000 pregnancies, with breast cancer, cervical cancer, lymphoma, and melanoma being the most common diagnoses.
Cancer Care During Pregnancy
Navigating cancer care during pregnancy involves a careful balance to ensure the best possible outcomes for the pregnant person, while also protecting the growing baby. Every decision, from when cancer treatment begins to what type is used, is guided by the specific diagnosis and the stage of pregnancy. NYU Langone maternal鈥揻etal medicine subspecialists and oncologists at NYU Langone鈥檚 Perlmutter Cancer Center work together to protect both the pregnant person and baby
When cancer complicates a pregnancy, we strive to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment, while also taking steps to avoid preterm delivery whenever possible. Diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, and surgery can play important roles in care, and with thoughtful planning, many treatments can be safely provided during pregnancy.
Chemotherapy is typically given after the first trimester, once the baby鈥檚 organs have developed. Surgery can be performed in any trimester. However, for non-emergency situations, doctors typically recommend surgery during the second trimester when it is safest.
Radiation therapy is typically avoided or postponed, and our multidisciplinary team carefully weighs the risks and benefits of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for each patient.
Throughout treatment, maternal鈥揻etal medicine experts closely monitor the baby鈥檚 growth and wellbeing, using fetal surveillance to help us quickly respond to any changes or concerns. Advanced imaging and regular ultrasounds enable the care team to evaluate the baby鈥檚 health and development, while lowering the risk of pregnancy complications that can occur with cancer.
Team-based Support
At the heart of our approach is a dedicated, compassionate multidisciplinary team. Our maternal鈥 fetal medicine subspecialists, oncologists, neonatologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, genetic counselors, and social workers work side-by-side to support each patient and their family. Together, we create a personalized care plan that addresses both medical and emotional needs鈥攁lways keeping the health of the pregnant person and baby at the center of everything we do.
Our Locations
Care for pregnant people who also have cancer is available at NYU Langone Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates and Maternal鈥揊etal Medicine at NYU Langone Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates.