University of Surrey Study Reveals Long Term Psychological and Financial Toll of Cancer During Pregnancy

University of Surrey research finds that cancer during pregnancy causes long-term emotional trauma and financial strain, requiring better integrated medical care.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 6:16 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

The Intersection of Joy and Medical Crisis

A diagnosis of cancer during pregnancy transforms what is typically a celebratory period into a time defined by fear and clinical urgency. According to Dr. Jenny Harris, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Surrey, expectant mothers must grapple with terrifying uncertainties regarding their own health and the safety of their unborn child. This unique medical situation forces women to make immediate, high stakes decisions about treatment while simultaneously managing the physical demands of pregnancy. The study emphasizes that the psychological impact of these dual challenges often lingers long after the physical treatment has concluded, potentially altering a woman's fundamental sense of self.

Maternal Guilt and the Bonding Barrier

Interviews with women who experienced a diagnosis during or shortly after pregnancy revealed a recurring theme of intense maternal guilt. This emotional distress stems from concerns about the foetus’s health and the mother’s perceived inability to meet her own expectations for caregiving. Many participants described a grueling sense of exhaustion that made it difficult to manage both rigorous cancer therapies and the demands of a newborn. According to the research, the necessity of prioritizing medical interventions often meant that mothers missed out on the vital, early bonding moments that define the postpartum experience, leading to long-term emotional scars.

Financial Instability and Workplace Complications

The research highlights a significant practical burden, as the combination of cancer treatment and pregnancy often creates a perfect storm of financial pressure. Frequent medical appointments, travel costs, and the necessity of taking unpaid leave place an immense strain on household budgets already stretched by the arrival of a new child. Furthermore, the diagnosis frequently disrupts career trajectories, forcing women to abandon plans for returning to work after maternity leave. According to Pete Wallroth, CEO of the charity Mummy’s Star, there is an urgent need for policy reform to protect the maternity leave rights of those whose time is consumed by oncology treatments.