Living with breast cancer
This page is about pregnancy after treatment for breast cancer. We have separate information if you are diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy.
Go to more information about breast cancer during pregnancy
It’s important not to get pregnant during breast cancer treatment and for some time after. Some treatments could harm your developing baby. These include:
chemotherapy
hormone therapy
targeted cancer drugs
immunotherapy
radiotherapy
It’s important to use reliable contraception as soon as you start treatment. Some treatments can make you infertile but this doesn't happen immediately. You should use contraception throughout your treatment.
Talk to your healthcare team as soon as possible if you have breast cancer and you find out you're pregnant. They can discuss what this means for the pregnancy and how this might affect your treatment. In some situations, your cancer treatment can be rearranged or delayed so that you can have your baby.
Most doctors advise women not to use hormonal contraceptives such as the contraceptive pill.
There are a number of alternatives. Your healthcare team, GP or family planning clinic can explain your options. Talk them through with your partner or someone you trust.
You could try:
a copper coil (IUD) – this is a small T shaped device that a doctor or nurse puts into your womb. It doesn’t release hormones and can stay in for 5 to 10 years
barrier methods – condoms or the cap
barrier methods used with lubricating jelly if you need extra moisture during sex
sterilisation – some women use this to stop the risk of getting pregnant if they are sure they don’t want children in the future
The withdrawal method, rhythm methods and tracking apps are not safe enough to prevent pregnancy. You may have irregular periods during and after treatment.
Most doctors advise women not to use hormonal contraceptives. This includes:
the contraceptive pill such as the combined pill or progesterone only pill
the contraceptive patch
a coil which releases a small amount of progesterone hormones. Also known as intrauterine system (IUS). A common brand used is the Mirena coil but there are others
hormone implants and injections such as Depo Provera, Noristerat or Sayana Press
There is a small risk that the hormones might affect any remaining breast cancer cells. Some hormonal contraceptives might also increase your risk of blood clots.
It might be possible to use the contraceptive pill, but only if you can’t use any other methods of contraception. Speak to your healthcare team about this.
Speak to your healthcare team straight away if you need emergency contraception. They might recommend that you have a copper coil.
Most breast cancer specialists also say that you can use the morning after pill. This is because a single dose of hormones is unlikely to affect your breast cancer.
Doctors usually advise women to wait for 2 years after treatment before getting pregnant. This is because breast cancer is most likely to come back within the first 2 years after your diagnosis.
Ask your doctor whether there are any risks if you become pregnant. Most studies have found that pregnancy after breast cancer does not increase the risk of it coming back.
Recent research has found that it might be safe pause your hormone therapy so you can try to get pregnant. You can speak to your healthcare team to find out if this is an option for you.
It is not safe to take hormone therapy while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Some women can have children naturally after treatment for breast cancer. Other women are unable to become pregnant after treatment. Men who have breast cancer treatment may also have fertility problems.
Not being able to have children or being unsure if you will be able to get pregnant can be difficult to cope with. This can be the case even if you already have children. It can take some time to come to terms with.
Allow yourself some time to adjust and express your sadness. When you feel ready it might help to talk to your partner, a family member or a close friend.
There are now a number of ways of preserving fertility. Your healthcare team can discuss your options and refer you to a fertility specialist.
Last reviewed: 27 Aug 2026
Next review due: 27 Aug 2029
Breast cancer during pregnancy is rare. Your doctor balances treating your cancer and keeping your baby safe and well.
Getting practical, physical and emotional support can help you to cope with a diagnosis of breast cancer. It can also help you with life during and after treatment.
There are many organisations, support groups, videos and other resources to help you cope with breast cancer and its treatment. There is also information about mastectomy wear and prosthesis suppliers.
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissue. It’s the most common cancer in the UK. It mainly affects women, but men can get it too.
