Diagnosis of cancer in pregnant women is severely delayed

In women expecting a baby, cancer symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed as normal pregnancy-related changes, leading to delayed treatment in some cases, according to a new study from the University of Surrey.

In the first study of its kind in the UK, researchers from Surrey recruited 20 women through Mummy’s Star, a charity organization that supports women and families facing cancer during or after pregnancy, and analyzed their experiences of being diagnosed with different types of cancer during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth.

The study also showed that women who found changes in their breasts, such as lumps, were more likely to suspect cancer and seek medical attention immediately, resulting in quicker referrals for further testing. However, women with less specific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, often experienced delays in diagnosis and referral for necessary tests. The study is published in the British Journal of General Practice.

Dr. Afrodita Marcu, a researcher at the University of Surrey and lead author of the study, says, “Our study highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to carefully assess pregnant women who present to them with distressing symptoms and refer them for appropriate tests if these symptoms persist. By carefully considering all options and avoiding the immediate assumption that symptoms are solely pregnancy-related, we can ensure that women receive a timely diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment.”

Pete Wallroth, founder and CEO of Mummy’s Star, said: “This research reinforces the importance of not linking symptoms to pregnancy during screening to ensure that the cause is not mistakenly attributed and that women themselves seek advice from other specialists if symptoms persist. – We encourage health care providers of all specialties working in maternity care to refer women to appropriate specialized clinics as soon as possible, and to pay attention to problems or symptoms during routine check-ups if they are of concern, even if the patient has not noticed anything herself. We have a collective responsibility to respond in a timely manner”.