Misdiagnosing cancer symptoms as normal pregnancy-related changes among pregnant individuals could lead to delays in treatment, according to a recent study published by Marcu et al in the British Journal of General Practice.
Study Methods and Results
In the study, researchers recruited 20 women through the Mummy’s Star charity—an organization supporting patients and families facing cancer during or following pregnancy. They then analyzed the patients’ experiences of being diagnosed with various cancers during pregnancy or shortly following birth.
The researchers found that participants experiencing breast changes such as lumps were more likely to suspect cancer and promptly seek medical advice, resulting in quicker referrals for further examinations. However, those with less specific symptoms, including abdominal pain, often experienced delays in diagnosis and referrals for necessary testing.
Conclusions
“Our research highlights the critical need for health-care professionals to thoroughly assess pregnant [patients] presenting with concerning symptoms and to refer them for appropriate tests when these symptoms persist. By carefully considering all possibilities and avoiding the immediate assumption that symptoms are solely pregnancy-related, we can ensure [patients] receive timely diagnoses and access appropriate treatment,” emphasized lead study author Afrodita Marcu, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, a research fellow at the University of Surrey.
“The research reiterates the importance of seeing symptoms independent of a [patient’s] pregnancy during assessment to ensure we do not wrongly attribute cause, but also for [patients] to advocate for themselves to seek second opinions if symptoms persist,” underscored Pete Wallroth, BSc (Hons), founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mummy’s Star. “For [health-care professionals] of all disciplines in maternity care, we encourage referral to appropriate specialist clinics as quickly as possible … to highlight issues or symptoms during routine checks if you have concern, even if the [patient] has not noticed something themselves. We have a collective responsibility to intervene,” he concluded.
Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit bjgp.org.