Pregnancy may increase the risk of skin cancer, rendering both mother and child vulnerable. According to studies, suppression of the immune system and hormonal changes during pregnancy may work together in certain cases to increase skin cancer risk for both the mother and the baby in her womb.
Fox News cites a study by Dr. Brian Gastman from the melanoma program at the Cleveland Clinic, which was published in n the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. The study indicates that women diagnosed with melanoma within one year after pregnancy are particularly vulnerable.
Women found to develop melanoma within this timeframe have a higher mortality rate as for these women the likelihood of cancer spreading is seven times higher. The likelihood for skin cancer to recur is nine times higher.
Fox News also cites separate findings by Pedram Gerami, from the melanoma program at the Northwestern University Skin Cancer Institute. In this study, the interaction between the natural suppression of the immune system during pregnancy and the hormonal changes during this place contributing to vulnerability to quick-spreading cancer was highlighted.
"As a melanoma matures and goes through increasing stages, it can acquire a number of different mutations, and some of those mutations that it can acquire are mutations that would divide, and increase in number or increase in action when it is exposed to certain hormones," Pedram Gerami said.
The separate studies observed skin cancer on a small population of patients and at varying stages of the disease. Each, however, recommends the importance of careful and persistent observation for skin cancer spread on these women and their babies, meaning no mole or skin growth should be dismissed.
The Daily Mail reports on the importance of wearing sunscreen during pregnancy given this increased risk of skin cancer. According to the media outlet, scientists point to estrogen for the increased skin cancer risk.
The Daily Mail cites Dr Sara Gaspard in explaining one other skin change that happens during pregnancy, which is the apparent glow that pregnant mothers have. According to Dr. Sara Gaspard, this can be attributed to the increased volume of blood being circulated by the body to ensure a healthy flow into the placenta.
