Cancer and Outcomes in Pregnancy – A NSW Evaluation (COPE)

Background

Cancer diagnosed in pregnant women is on the rise as the average age at which women start having children increases.  It presents challenges to healthcare teams because there is little evidence on which to make important treatment decisions.

There is currently a lack of information in Australia about cancer in pregnancy, including how it impacts on cancer, care and pregnancy outcomes. So it is hard to know how best to balance treating the cancer, while at the same time minimising harm to pregnant women and their babies.

This lack of information not only limits doctors’ ability to provide best quality care, but it adds to the uncertainty and stress women with cancer in pregnancy and their families’ experience.

The research

This project will be a coordinated, state-wide investigation into cancer during pregnancy.

The study will recruit and follow up pregnant women newly diagnosed with cancer across NSW to examine the patterns of cancer care provided, the women’s experiences of this care and the outcomes (both for the women and their babies).