Cancer symptoms while pregnant
Some cancer symptoms may be similar to certain physical changes that happen during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, always tell your midwife, pregnancy doctor (obstetrician) or GP about any new symptoms.
Cancer symptoms and body changes during pregnancy
Pregnancy does not change the symptoms of a cancer. The symptoms depend on the type of cancer. But the changes that happen to the body during pregnancy may delay a cancer diagnosis. This is because some cancer symptoms may be similar to changes that happen during pregnancy. The following list includes examples of some of these symptoms:
- Breast tissue changes during pregnancy. A lump or change in the breast can also be a symptom of breast cancer.
- Vaginal bleeding can happen during pregnancy. It can also be a symptom of cervical cancer.
- Lymphomas or blood cancers such as leukaemia may cause tiredness and breathlessness. Sometimes these symptoms happen during pregnancy.
- New moles can develop during pregnancy, or existing moles may get bigger. These changes can be symptoms of a skin cancer called melanoma.
When to talk to your doctor
The above examples are some of the more common cancer types seen in younger people. But you should always talk to your GP or pregnancy team if you are worried about any symptoms that are:
- unusual for you
- unexplained
- ongoing.
To find the cause of your symptoms, you will have the same checks you would have if you were not pregnant.
You should also tell your GP or pregnancy team if you:
- have chest pain
- feel breathless
- have changes to your heartbeat.
The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more successful treatment is. It is important to tell your GP or pregnancy team if you have:
- any pre-cancerous conditions
- had cancer in the past
- any family history of cancer.
Routine pregnancy checks can show if you need any other tests. A simple blood test during pregnancy can help diagnose leukaemia.
Always tell your midwife, pregnancy doctor (obstetrician) or GP about any new symptoms. If you think these symptoms need further checks, ask about the referral guidelines for suspected cancer and your symptoms. For more information, visit:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer
- Suspected Cancer Pathway Wales
- Northern Ireland Cancer Network.
If you want to, you can ask for an appointment with another doctor or to be referred to a specialist for a second opinion.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our pregnancy and cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
de Haan J, Verheecke M, et al. Oncological management and obstetric and neonatal outcomes for women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy: a 20-year international cohort study of 1170 patients. Lancet Oncology. 2018. Vol 19 [accessed October 2023]
Public Health England, Cancer before, during and after pregnancy, National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service 2018 [accessed October 2023]
Silverstein J, Post AL, Chien AJ, Olin R, Tsai KK, Ngo Z, Van Loon K. Multidisciplinary management of cancer during pregnancy. JCO Oncol Pract. 2020 Sep;16(9):545-557. doi: 10.1200/OP.20.00077. PMID: 32910882. [accessed September 2023]
Wolters V, Heimovaara J, Maggen C, et al. Management of pregnancy in cancer Int J Gynecol Cancer 2021;31:314–322.
Reviewer
Consultant Medical Oncologist & Honorary Associate Professor
Date reviewed
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