{
  "id": 1697930,
  "title": "After surviving cancer, navigating the challenges of fertility and breastfeeding",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/after-surviving-cancer-navigating-the-challenges-of-fertility-and-1697930",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-18T11:34:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu - Sci-Tech",
    "slug": "the-hindu-sci-tech",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/after-surviving-cancer-navigating-the-challenges-of-fertility-and-breastfeeding/article71358917.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Baishali Bhattacharya, a survivor of ovarian cancer, gave birth to a healthy baby in 2024 following a two-year journey of battling the disease. Diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in 2020, Bhattacharya underwent surgery to have one of her ovaries removed. Doctors advised her to start a family soon, which she accomplished in 2024. Her ability to breastfeed, under medical supervision, is a testament to the fact that after cancer treatments, women can still give their infants the best form of nutrition.\n\nIn India, where cancer cases are on the rise, including an increasing number of breast cancer cases among young women, the challenge of balancing cancer treatment with family planning and breastfeeding is significant. Experts emphasize that fertility preservation and breastfeeding are crucial aspects that need careful management for women who have survived cancer.\n\nAfter a cancer diagnosis, women who have not started their families should have the option for fertility preservation, including techniques like embryo freezing or oocyte cryopreservation. Despite this, breastfeeding may pose challenges for cancer survivors, but it is achievable with proper medical guidance and support.\n\nDr. Arunava Roy, head of gynaecologic oncology at Manipal Hospital in Kolkata, reiterated that while cancer treatments can impact a woman's ability to breastfeed, it should not discourage her from doing so. Breast conservation surgeries, which preserve most of the breast tissue, have become the norm in treating breast cancer, allowing the breast to respond to hormones and lactate post-treatment.\n\nHowever, radiotherapy is a significant limiting factor in breastfeeding, as it can cause fibrosis and damage to the milk-producing glands and ducts. The unaffected breast can usually compensate for the loss of milk production in the treated breast. Dr. Parnamita Bhattacharya, a gynaecologist at CK Birla Hospitals, clarified that while the affected breast cannot be used for breastfeeding during cancer treatment, the unaffected breast can. Post-treatment, careful supervision is required for breastfeeding.\n\nContrary to common misconceptions, breastfeeding after cancer treatment does not increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. International studies have shown that breastfeeding is safe and feasible for women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. However, breastfeeding should be avoided while taking certain anticancer medicines or undergoing endocrine therapy, as drugs can pass into breast milk. It is essential to follow a doctor's guidance on this matter.\n\nTapti Sen, a surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer, highlighted that every case is unique and depends on the type of cancer, the treatments received, and whether the woman continues to take cancer-directed medications. The priority is to protect the mother from cancer recurrence while ensuring the safest possible start for the baby. With appropriate pre-pregnancy counselling and coordinated care between the patient and her medical team, surviving cancer and embracing motherhood are indeed possible.",
  "summary": "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",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu Health",
        "title": "After surviving cancer, navigating the challenges of fertility and breastfeeding",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/after-surviving-cancer-navigating-the-challenges-of-fertility-and",
        "published": "2026-08-18T11:34:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}