After surviving cancer, navigating the challenges of fertility and breastfeeding
Cancer is on the rise in India. For young women wanting to begin families and breastfeed infants, this poses difficulties, but experts say that with careful management and supervision, it can be done
Two years ago, Baishali Bhattacharya, a survivor of ovarian cancer, welcomed her healthy baby. In 2020, she underwent surgery due to stage IV ovarian cancer, losing one of her ovaries. She married in 2022 and gave birth in 2024. Upon medical advice, Bhattacharya aimed to conceive sooner. Breastfeeding, under medical supervision, was also possible for her.
In India, where cancer cases are rising and breast cancer is prevalent among young women, balancing family-building and breastfeeding is challenging. Fertility preservation, nursing after cancer, and breastfeeding can be difficult after a cancer diagnosis, but careful management can help. Doctors recommend fertility preservation options, such as embryo freezing, before cancer treatment begins.
Breastfeeding post-cancer can be challenging but manageable with medical guidance. Women of childbearing age should discuss childbearing and breastfeeding plans with their doctors before cancer treatment to understand their future options.
Ms. Bhattacharya's pregnancy was a significant milestone after years of medical challenges. Her treating doctor, Arunava Roy, highlighted the emotional toll of the journey. New surgical techniques for breast cancer, such as breast conservation, preserve breast tissue and allow it to respond to pregnancy hormones, enabling lactogenesis.
However, radiotherapy is a significant factor in breastfeeding difficulties due to potential damage to milk-producing glands and ducts. The unaffected breast usually compensates for the treated one. Breastfeeding from the affected breast is not possible, but the unaffected breast can be used. Active treatment and therapies should not involve breastfeeding to avoid health risks.
Some misconceptions suggest that breastfeeding increases breast cancer recurrence risks, but studies show no increased risk. Breastfeeding is safe and feasible for women who have undergone breast cancer treatment, provided they follow medical advice. Monica Hooda, a 37-year-old mother, experienced breast pain while breastfeeding, which was initially attributed to breastfeeding but later diagnosed as breast cancer.
Women with a history of cancer can still breastfeed, depending on the type of cancer, treatment received, and ongoing medication. Proper pre-pregnancy counseling and coordinated care between doctors are crucial for a safe and healthy experience.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
