Pregnancy in cancer patients and survivors; experience of a university hospital in Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies in cancer patients and survivors. A retrospective analysis of 68 pregnancies with a history of cancer and 31 newly diagnosed pregnant cancer patients were included in the study. The mean birth weight and the mean gestational age at delivery were significantly lower in the pregnant cancer patients (p < .001). The incidences of delivery less than 34 weeks were 8.8% and 29.1% in the cancer survivors and cancer diagnosed during pregnancy groups respectively (p < .01). In 23 (76.4%) pregnant cancer patients, a single or a combination of treatment modalities was initiated. There were four (12.9%) maternal deaths in pregnant cancer patients. There were no early neonatal death and any congenital anomaly detected in the newborns. Pregnancy in cancer patients and cancer survivors has completely different clinical outcome. Pregnancy in cancer patients has increased the risk of pregnancy complication.