October 21, 2023 Issue, Page 10 of 14

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10 - The Elk City News October 21, 2023 What to know about treating breast cancer during pregnancy ‘There's never a good time to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Cancer Foundation indicates such factors include: it’s something doctors will consider or even recommend when Such news often changes the lives of patients and their families. designing a treatment plan for pregnant women, the NBCF Though survival rates for breast cancer have improved dramati- - Tumor size notes it is always administered after the child is born. The same cally in recent years, a diagnosis is still cause for concern. And + Tumor location typically goes for hormone therapy, as the NBCF reports that that concern only grows when the woman who is diagnosed also - Which term of the pregnancy a woman is in the effects of hormone therapy on unborn children are still not happens to be pregnant. ‘The ACS adds that whether or not the tumor has spread, and entirely understood. ‘The National Cancer Institute notes that breast cancer dur- how far it has spread, are additional factors doctors will consider ing pregnancy is rare. NCI data indicates breast cancer occurs when determining a course treatment for pregnant women diag- After the child is born in about one in every 3,000 pregnancies. However, the rarity nosed with breast cancer. A woman's overall health and personal Many new mothers aspire to breastfeed their newborns, but of such diagnoses does not make them any easier to confront. preferences also will be considered prior to beginning treatment. the ACS reports that doctors recommend women who are about Knowledge can be vital as women and their families navigate a ‘Treatment options to receive breast cancer treatment cease or not start breastfeed- breast cancer diagnosis during pregnancy. ing. Drugs used during chemotherapy, hormone therapy and ‘The NBCF reports that doctors will consider popular treat- Treatment during pregnancy ments like chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy when targeted therapy can enter breast milk and be passed on to the ‘The American Cancer Society reports that women can safely treating breast cancer patients who are pregnant. However, the baby. be treated for breast cancer during pregnancy. However, treat- decision to administer such treatments to pregnant women is A breast cancer diagnosis during pregnancy is rare, but the ment for pregnant women will likely differ from treatment for not as straightforward as it might be when planning a course women who are not expecting. The ACS notes that the types of of treatment for women who are not expecting. For example, ACS reports that most studies have found that outcomes among treatment available to pregnant women and the timing of the though chemotherapy can be safely administered to pregnant pregnant and non-pregnant women with breast cancer are treatment might be affected by the pregnancy. women, there are specific windows of time to deliver chemo- roughly the same for cancers found at the same stage. Such stud- Various factors will affect which course of treatment doctors therapy without harming the baby. ies can provide hope to women and their families as they embark decide to pursue when a patient is pregnant. The National Breast Radiation is considered unsafe for an unborn child, so while on their treatment journeys. OCcT BREAST Casi MONTH Daniel Garbarino RE/MAX StateFarm 814 W 3rd Street Owners: Mike & Tammie Stout Elk City, OK 73644-5210 RE/MAX 507 W. 3rd Street, Elk City 580-243-5433 Office: 580.225.1502 Fax: 580.225.1536 Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 - After Hours by Appointment 24 Hour Customer Service All American Realty 980-225-6554 918 N. Van Buren One of the largest metal Elk City, OK 73644 suppliers between OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com