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Cancer-related maternal mortality in Massachusetts, 1954-1985
B P Sachs1, A S Penzias, D A Brown
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles A. Dana Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
Gynecologic Oncology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Cancer-related maternal deaths are rare, decreasing significantly from 1954-1985. Pregnancy may increase mortality risk for central nervous system tumors but decrease it for breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Maternal Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cancer-related maternal mortality is a rare but critical public health concern.
- Understanding the interplay between pregnancy and cancer outcomes is essential for informed clinical guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first population-based study on cancer-related maternal mortality in Massachusetts.
- To investigate the influence of pregnancy on cancer-specific mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Massachusetts Medical Society's Committee on Maternal Welfare (1954-1985).
- Compared mortality data between pregnant women and a non-pregnant cohort (Connecticut Register of Mortality for Women aged 15-44).
Main Results:
- Cancer-related maternal mortality incidence decreased from 3.16 to 0 per 100,000 live births.
- Central nervous system tumors and hematological cancers were the most common causes of cancer-associated maternal deaths.
- Pregnant women showed a higher mortality incidence for central nervous system tumors but a lower incidence for breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy may not be contraindicated for women with a history of breast cancer.
- Pregnancy might be contraindicated for women with a history of central nervous system tumors.