Cancer and pregnancy: a health care dilemma.

When cancer occurs during pregnancy, a conflict exists between the family's hopes and dreams for the future and the reality of the diagnosis of a potentially terminal illness. The nurse has a pivotal role in the assessment and management of the pregnant oncologic patient's physical and emotional health. The perinatal nurse must assure that the care experienced by the family balances the reality of a potentially life-threatening illness with the joy that accompanies the birth of a baby.