Findings indicate that women exhibiting specific symptoms, such as breast lumps, were more likely to suspect cancer and sought medical advice promptly, resulting in quicker referrals for investigations.

In contrast, women presenting with less specific symptoms, like abdominal pain, often faced delays in diagnosis and referrals for necessary tests.

A recent study published in the British Journal of General Practice highlights the challenges in diagnosing cancer in pregnant women, emphasizing the need for thorough assessments by healthcare professionals.

Conducted by researchers from the University of Surrey, the study reveals that cancer symptoms in pregnant women are often misdiagnosed as normal pregnancy changes, which can lead to significant treatment delays.

Pete Wallroth, CEO of Mummy's Star, emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals referring patients to appropriate specialists quickly and addressing concerns during routine checks, regardless of reported symptoms.

The study underscores a collective responsibility among healthcare professionals to refer patients to specialist clinics when necessary and to raise concerns during routine checks.

This pioneering research, the first of its kind in the UK, analyzed the experiences of 20 women diagnosed with various cancers during or shortly after pregnancy, recruited through the charity Mummy's Star.

Wallroth also encourages women to evaluate their symptoms independently of pregnancy and to seek second opinions if symptoms persist.

Dr. Afrodita Marcu, the study's lead author, stresses the importance of not assuming concerning symptoms are solely related to pregnancy, urging healthcare professionals to conduct thorough assessments.