Diagnosed with stage III breast cancer five months into pregnancy, Samar received specialized treatment at Burjeel Cancer Institute, safely delivered her baby, and completed chemotherapy and radiotherapy within a year.
Abu Dhabi: When Samar began experiencing unusual breast pain during the fifth month of her pregnancy, she initially dismissed it as another change her body was undergoing in preparation for childbirth. She never imagined that the discomfort would lead to a diagnosis of stage III breast cancer.
For the 40-year-old mother, the diagnosis brought an overwhelming fear. She was not only worried about surviving cancer but also about the safety of her unborn child. What followed was a challenging journey that saw her undergo chemotherapy during pregnancy, welcome her fourth child, and complete cancer treatment in less than a year.
Samar’s symptoms first appeared in September 2025. “At first, I thought the pain and swelling were normal changes during pregnancy, as my body was preparing for breastfeeding. I never imagined that these symptoms could be signs of something as serious as breast cancer,” said Samar, a native of Jordan. However, persistent discomfort prompted her to consult Dr. Dima Abdul Jabbar, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Director of Burjeel Breast Center at Burjeel Cancer Institute in Burjeel Medical City. Further investigations confirmed stage III breast cancer, requiring immediate medical attention and a carefully coordinated treatment approach.
At Burjeel Cancer Institute, a multidisciplinary team developed an individualized treatment plan considering the stage of her cancer, gestational age, and the health of her unborn baby.
Samar began chemotherapy during her fifth month of pregnancy and continued treatment until two weeks before delivery. Following the safe birth of her son, Elias, she resumed chemotherapy just two weeks later.
Treating Cancer While Protecting the Baby
According to Dr. Dima, breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy presents unique challenges, but treatment does not necessarily have to wait until childbirth. “Samar had been experiencing pain and swelling in her breast but thought that that these symptoms were normal and simply related to the changes in the mammary glands as the body prepares for childbirth and breastfeeding. However, these symptoms were actually warning signs of the disease,” said the doctor. “Fortunately, Samar decided to seek medical advice rather than ignore what she was feeling. Further investigations, including laboratory tests, medical imaging, and ultrasound examinations, confirmed the diagnosis.”
Dr. Dima emphasizes that pregnancy-related breast changes can sometimes mask warning signs of cancer, making timely evaluation particularly important. The treatment required close coordination between medical oncologists, obstetricians, and gynecologists, with careful attention to both maternal health and fetal well-being.
Samar was initially deeply anxious about chemotherapy thinking it would affect her baby. Counseling, medical guidance, and continuous reassurance helped her approach treatment with greater confidence.
“What stood out most about Samar was the strength and composure she demonstrated as her treatment progressed. Her greatest motivation was the desire to recover, return to her children, and resume her normal life. She was an inspiring example of a mother who faced cancer with remarkable courage and remained committed to her treatment plan despite the many challenges she encountered,” she said, adding that certain chemotherapy regimens can be administered during specific stages of pregnancy, depending on various factors such as the type and stage of cancer and gestational age.
The Birth of Elias: A Moment of Hope amid Cancer Treatment
Amid the uncertainty of cancer treatment, the safe birth of Elias became a turning point in Samar’s journey. Her delivery was managed by the obstetrics and gynecology team at Burjeel Medical City in coordination with her oncology specialists. Holding her newborn son brought immense relief after months of worrying about his health.
But her treatment journey was not yet complete. Samar subsequently underwent a complete mastectomy of her right breast and completed her prescribed chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is now looking forward to breast reconstruction surgery as the next stage of her recovery.
Her Husband Shaved His Head in Solidarity
Throughout the experience, her family remained an important source of strength. One gesture from her husband remains particularly meaningful.
My husband was my greatest source of strength during the most difficult moments of my treatment. When I started losing my hair because of chemotherapy, he shaved his head to show his support. It was a simple gesture, but it meant so much to me. It reminded me that I was not facing this battle alone,” Samar recalled. “I am also thankful to the medical and nursing teams at Burjeel Cancer Institute, especially Dr. Dima, for supporting me emotionally throughout treatment.
Today, Samar is back with her family and four children, including Elias, having completed chemotherapy and radiotherapy within a year of her diagnosis. Her story has an important message for expectant mothers. Persistent breast pain, swelling, or unusual changes should never be dismissed as normal pregnancy symptoms without medical evaluation.