Pregnancy After Breast Cancer

Because of the well-established link between estrogen levels and growth of breast cancer cells, many doctors have advised breast cancer survivors not to become pregnant for at least 2 years after treatment. This would allow any early return of the cancer to be diagnosed and this, in turn, could affect a woman’s decision to become pregnant. But this 2 year wait period is arbitrary and earlier pregnancy may not be harmful.

Although few studies have been performed, nearly all have found that pregnancy does not increase the risk of recurrence after successful treatment of breast cancer. Women are advised to discuss their risk of recurrence with their doctors. In some cases, counseling can help women with the complex issues and uncertainties regarding motherhood and breast cancer survivorship.

Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy

After Breast Cancer The known link between estrogen levels and breast cancer growth has discouraged many women and their doctors from choosing or recommending postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT), also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Unfortunately, many women experience menopausal symptoms after treatment for breast cancer. This can occur naturally or develop as a result of menopausal women stopping PHT. Chemotherapy can also cause early menopause in premenopausal women.

In the past, doctors have offered PHT after breast cancer treatment to women suffering from severe symptoms because early studies had shown no harm. However, in early 2004 a well-designed study (the HABITS study) found that breast cancer survivors taking PHT were much more likely to develop a new or recurrent breast cancer than women who were not taking the drugs. For this reason, most doctors now feel that for women previously treated for breast cancer, taking PHT would be unwise.

Women should consider discussing with their doctors alternatives to PHT to help with specific menopausal symptoms. Some doctors have suggested that phytoestrogens (estrogen-like substances from certain plant sources, such as soy products) may be safer than the estrogens used in PHT. However, there is not enough information available on phytoestrogens to evaluate their safety for breast cancer survivors.

Two of the drugs that have proven somewhat effective in treating hot flashes are the antidepressant, Effexor, and a drug called Neurontin. There is, however, recent data showing that some anti-depressants can interact with tamoxifen and make it less effective. If you are taking tamoxifen and experience hot flashes, you should ask your doctor about any possible interactions between your tamoxifen and any other drugs you may be taking.