Cancer Symptoms in Pregnant Women: The Risks of Misattribution and Delayed Diagnosis

Recent findings from the University of Surrey indicate that cancer symptoms can often be mistaken for normal changes that occur during pregnancy, which can lead to delays in crucial treatment for expectant mothers.

This research marks a groundbreaking initiative in the UK, engaging 20 women through Mummy’s Star, a charity focused on supporting families impacted by cancer during pregnancy and the postpartum phase.

The study reviewed the journeys of these women, who received cancer diagnoses either while pregnant or shortly after giving birth.

Key Insights from the Research

One of the key insights from this research highlights that women who detect significant changes in their breasts, such as lumps, are more likely to proactively seek medical help.

This increased vigilance often results in quicker referrals for further assessment.

In contrast, women experiencing more vague symptoms, like abdominal pain, tend to encounter longer delays before obtaining an accurate diagnosis and necessary evaluations.

The Importance of Thorough Evaluations

Dr. Afrodita Marcu, a Research Fellow at the University of Surrey and the lead author of the study, underscored how important it is for healthcare professionals to conduct thorough evaluations when pregnant women exhibit concerning symptoms.

She emphasized that if these symptoms persist, appropriate diagnostic tests should follow, cautioning against the common inclination to dismiss such symptoms as mere pregnancy-related issues.

Advocacy for Timely Care

Pete Wallroth, the CEO and Founder of Mummy’s Star, stressed the need for independent assessments of symptoms, regardless of whether a woman is pregnant.

He encouraged women to advocate for their health, particularly if symptoms do not improve.

Wallroth also urged healthcare providers in maternity care to make timely referrals to specialized clinics whenever appropriate.

He called for heightened awareness during regular check-ups, advocating that providers should proactively address any potential issues, even if the patient hasn’t voiced concerns.

The overarching message of their discussion was the shared responsibility of all parties to ensure women receive prompt and effective care.

Source: ScienceDaily