A 32-year-old woman from Westchester, Christina, was diagnosed with breast cancer just two weeks after learning she was pregnant with her second child. After discovering a lump during a self-exam, Christina consulted her obstetrician–gynecologist and underwent imaging and a biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis.
Christina initially received recommendations from other institutions to terminate her pregnancy before starting treatment. She then sought care at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, where breast surgical oncologist Mary L. Gemignani, MD, MPH, and medical oncologist Elizabeth Comen, MD, led a multidisciplinary team to develop a care plan that considered both her health and the health of her unborn child.
The team decided to wait until Christina was out of her first trimester before beginning certain treatments. “My husband and I turned to NYU Langone, and they welcomed us, made me feel comfortable, and helped refine my diagnosis and treatment,” said Christina. “It was a whole team effort. It was never about one doctor’s opinion, but about my needs as a patient.”
Treatment for breast cancer during pregnancy is complex due to concerns about both maternal and fetal health. The maternal–fetal medicine team worked closely with oncology specialists to begin with surgery in the first trimester. Chemotherapy started in the second trimester when it could be administered more safely.
Dr. Gemignani noted an increase in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women: “The median age for breast cancer is 62. Over the last two decades, there’s been an increase in diagnoses in ages 20 to 29 and 30 to 39,” she said. “At NYU Langone, we are committed to providing younger cancer patients with personalized care that addresses their individual needs and gives them the best quality of life possible. Survivorship has really evolved into a holistic, individual, and personal experience, and our program honors that.”
After extensive consultation and testing at the end of her first trimester, Christina underwent a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy while continuing regular monitoring of her pregnancy.
“Christina’s story is an important reminder that multidisciplinary cancer care is so important,” said Dr. Comen. “We are uniquely equipped here at Perlmutter Cancer Center to care for patients with complex cases like hers, providing a range of experts that treat the patient, not just the disease.”
Justin S. Brandt, MD, division director of maternal–fetal medicine at NYU Langone Health worked closely with Dr. Comen throughout Christina’s treatment: “We do a lot of extra monitoring for pregnant patients who have cancer in pregnancy,” said Dr. Brandt. “In addition to routine care, we monitor the fetal growth closely with monthly ultrasounds. At 32 weeks we start biophysical profiles which are weekly assessments of fetal wellbeing.”
Intensive collaboration among specialists allowed for careful timing of treatments as well as delivery at full term—39 weeks—to optimize outcomes for both mother and baby.
Christina credits her support system—including family members who accompanied her to appointments—for helping maintain positivity throughout treatment.
She gave birth successfully at the end of September; both mother and daughter are doing well as Christina completes her course of therapy under continued supervision by her doctors.
NYU Langone Health is recognized nationally for its focus on quality outcomes across its network of inpatient locations—including Perlmutter Cancer Center—and outpatient sites in New York area and Florida.
