Concerns are growing that signs of cancer in pregnant women are being mistaken for pregnancy symptoms, leading to calls for greater awareness among healthcare professionals. Louise Beevers, from Willingham by Stow near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, discovered a pea-sized lump in her breast in early 2023 while pregnant with her fourth child. She was told it was likely pregnancy-related, but by May, at over four months pregnant, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
After undergoing a radical mastectomy and lymph node clearance, Louise gave birth to baby Suzy. However, weeks later, while on chemotherapy, she was told the cancer had spread to her lungs and was incurable. Louise now faces the prospect of leaving her children without a mother, and she is writing letters for them to open at future milestones. She wonders if earlier investigation might have changed the outcome.
Experts stress that early detection is crucial for survival, but pregnant women's cancer concerns are often dismissed. Professor Richard Simcock, chief medical officer for Macmillan Cancer Support, notes that while most breast abnormalities are benign, full assessment by a specialist is essential. Pete Wallroth, whose wife Mair died from cancer diagnosed in pregnancy, set up the charity Mummy's Star. He says dismissal of symptoms is the biggest issue with cancer and pregnancy, and that red flag symptoms should be investigated regardless of pregnancy.
Cancer in pregnancy is rare, with about one in 1,000 breast cancer cases occurring during pregnancy. Data from the British Medical Journal shows the average five-year risk of dying from breast cancer has fallen from 14% to 5% since the 1990s, largely due to early diagnosis. Professor Simcock urges women who are not satisfied with initial answers to seek a referral.
