Can Cancer Pass from Mother to Baby?

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

I can confirm that cancer is not infectious, and it is not directly transmitted from a mother to her child. The development of cancer is influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that a mother can give cancer to her child.

When dealing with a situation where a mother has a history of cancer, our main concerns focus on several factors. We carefully consider the type and location of the cancer the mother had or has, whether she had cancer during her pregnancy, and any treatments she might have received during pregnancy. Some cancer treatments can have potential effects on the developing fetus, and these factors need to be taken into account for the well-being of both the mother and the baby. It is crucial to monitor and address these issues to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the child.

Thanks