Pregnancy is accompanied by a lengthy list of do's and don'ts—take prenatal vitamins, no alcohol, exercise carefully, and eat well. But what about when an unplanned health issue presents itself, such as the necessity for a mammogram? For most women, this might not even be something they think about until they are in a position where breast cancer screening is an option.

Perhaps you're over 40 and in need of your yearly mammogram, or perhaps you have a history of breast cancer in your family and you want to keep your screenings current. More emergently, you've found a lump in your breast. So, can you have a mammogram when pregnant? The answer is yes, but there are several things to consider.

Pregnancy creates substantial hormonal changes that affect the body, as well as breast tissue. Estrogen and progesterone's rise causes the breasts to expand and condition to produce milk, which results in denser tissue. This increased density is more challenging to detect any abnormalities with using mammograms. Even post-delivery, should the woman be breastfeeding, milk-filled glands can also make the breasts denser and, as a result, make mammogram readings less clear.

While 3D mammograms have improved imaging technology to help navigate dense breast tissue, doctors often suggest postponing routine screening mammograms until after pregnancy if there are no symptoms or high-risk factors. However, if a lump or abnormality is found, your doctor may recommend immediate diagnostic imaging.

When Is a Mammogram Necessary During Pregnancy?

Mammograms are not done routinely if a woman becomes pregnant, yet there are specific situations where one might be unavoidable. Breast cancer in pregnancy does occur—1 in 3,000 times—but it's not common. If a lump is detected by a woman, she has constant breast pain and no explanation, or she is at high risk (e.g., strong history of breast cancer in her family or genetic defect such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), a physician will order a mammogram.

The process itself takes very little radiation exposure. The radiation employed by a mammogram is concentrated on the breast, and there is little to no radiation that reaches other areas of the body. A lead apron is also placed over the belly to shield the unborn child.

Alternative Breast Imaging Options During Pregnancy

For pregnant women requiring breast imaging, physicians may initially suggest an ultrasound. In contrast to a mammogram, an ultrasound is not done with the use of radiation and is deemed safe for pregnant women.

An ultrasound of the breast can establish whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor that needs further investigation. Yet ultrasounds are not always diagnostic, and in certain instances, a mammogram or biopsy is needed to determine or rule out cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also an imaging choice but has some drawbacks. The majority of breast MRIs employ a contrast material called gadolinium, which is able to pass through the placenta and to the fetus. Although risks are not entirely clear, physicians usually do not use MRI with contrast unless necessary. Some practitioners may offer an MRI without contrast as an option.

What If You Find a Lump In Your Breast During Pregnancy?

Breast changes throughout pregnancy are normal, but finding a lump should never be taken lightly. If you notice a lump, alert your medical provider right away. They will conduct a clinical breast exam and potentially have you get an imaging study such as an ultrasound or mammogram to see whether anything needs to be done.

If imaging indicates a suspicious mass, a biopsy can be suggested. Core needle biopsy is the most frequently used and is safe during pregnancy. It consists of numbing the skin with local anesthetic and inserting a hollow needle into the area to obtain a small sample of tissue to be tested.

Breast Cancer Treatment During Pregnancy

In the extremely uncommon event of a diagnosis of breast cancer while pregnant, therapy will be determined by the nature and extent of cancer and by how far along in pregnancy one is. The most frequent form of treatment is surgery—either mastectomy (surgical removal of the entire breast) or lumpectomy (surgical removal of the lump)—which is usually safe while pregnant.

Chemotherapy is also possible but usually only attempted after the first trimester, when it can damage developing fetal tissue. Radiation therapy is not used during pregnancy and is typically deferred until after giving birth. Hormonal therapy and targeted therapies are also omitted until after giving birth.

Can I Get a Mammogram While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you can have a mammogram while you are breastfeeding. The radiation in a mammogram does not impact breast milk or hurt the baby. But breast density is still high during lactation, and this might complicate detection of abnormalities. To enhance image quality, physicians usually advise breastfeeding or pumping 30 minutes prior to the mammogram.

Routine screening mammograms are usually delayed in pregnancy unless there is a high-level concern.

If a lump is detected, an ultrasound is typically the initial imaging study done, with a mammogram being a consideration if additional assessment is necessary.

• Pregnancy mammograms utilize minimal radiation and are safe when required.
• Breast MRI with contrast is usually avoided in pregnancy.
• Breast biopsy, when necessary, is safe during pregnancy.

If breast cancer does develop during pregnancy, there are available treatment options that can be adjusted to keep the mother and infant safe.

Pregnancy is a period of significant change, and health issues particularly those involving breast health, are anxiety-provoking. Routine mammograms are typically postponed until after giving birth, but diagnostic testing can be done if necessary. The best you can do is discuss changes you notice in your breasts with your healthcare provider in an open manner. Early detection and prompt treatment can make a very big difference in the health of both mother and fetus.

Popular GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound are well established for improving metabolic health, lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss. These blockbuster drugs are also known to reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Now, researchers are exploring whether these medications could also help slow biological aging and potentially increase longevity.

Study Explores Anti-Aging Potential

A recent US National Institutes of Health (NIH)-backed study, published in the journal Nature, found that Ozempic slowed biological aging in people living with HIV and lipohypertrophy, a condition in which fatty deposits develop under the skin.

People with HIV often experience accelerated aging because of the infection, making them an important group for age-related research, said lead author Dr. Michael Corley, associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego's Stein Institute for Research on Aging, according to The New York Times.

Although the trial was preliminary, Dr. Corley said it "provided us an opportunity to say, hey, is there any signal here that warrants all the hype?"

Can GLP-1 Drugs Slow Aging?

Experts believe the findings are promising, but stressed that more research is needed.

Dr. Nicolas Musi, director of the Diabetes and Aging Center at Cedars-Sinai, told NYT that because these drugs reduce the risk of diseases associated with aging, they could potentially improve lifespan as well.

"GLP-1 agonists decrease the incidence of diseases that are related to aging and are associated with decreasing life span. One would assume that they're also potentially going to increase life span and be beneficial for longevity," Dr. Musi said.

Researchers also point to the drugs' anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is one of the biological processes linked to aging, said Dr. Thomas Blackwell, professor of general internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

However, scientists caution that there is currently no evidence showing that GLP-1 drugs provide longevity benefits for people who are already metabolically healthy.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?

Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Zepbound and Mounjaro contain tirzepatide.

These medications are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and some are also approved for chronic weight management.

GLP-1 receptor agonists work by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body. This increases insulin production in response to food, suppresses glucagon—a hormone that raises blood sugar—and helps regulate blood glucose levels.

What Does GLP-1 Do in the Body?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone naturally produced by the small intestine after eating. It plays several important roles in regulating blood sugar and appetite by:

• Stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.
• Suppressing glucagon secretion, which helps prevent unnecessary increases in blood sugar.
• Slowing stomach emptying allows glucose to enter the bloodstream more gradually.
• Increasing feelings of fullness (satiety), which helps reduce food intake.

On Doctors Day, along with celebrating the valuable contribution and role of doctors, it is also important to take a look at what goes on beyond operation theatres and surgical masks. Amid increasing instances of doctors seeking mental health support, we take a look at what is pushing doctors to seek mental health care.

Why Burnout In Doctors Needs To Be Addressed?

HealthandMe spoke to Neha Cadabam, Senior Psychologist & Executive Director, Cadabam's Hospitals, and Dr. Jagadeesh P.C, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon and Robotic Joint Replacement at Kauvery Hospitals & Joss Center, about increasing burnout, stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues among doctors in various specialties.

Doctors face grueling work schedules that entail long work hours, demanding patient care, and constant vigilance to provide the best service.

Neha Cadabam explains, “Doctors are often expected to remain composed, resilient, and emotionally available regardless of the circumstances they face. However, the emotional demands at their profession can accumulate over time.”

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She also said that long working hours, repeated exposure to suffering and death, difficult clinical decisions, medico-legal concerns, workplace violence, and the constant pressure to avoid errors can create a significant psychological burden.

Dr. Jagadeesh P.C sheds light on how doctors in the orthopedics specialty face constant physical and emotional stress. He says that as orthopedicians mostly handle traumas and accidents, they undergo added stress due to emergencies and constant patient care.

He says, “Surgeons and physicians work in high-pressure environments where critical decisions need to be made quickly, often after long hours in operating rooms, emergency departments, clinics, and wards. The responsibility of restoring mobility, managing trauma cases, handling complications, and supporting patients through recovery can be deeply demanding.”

He also said that doctors frequently work through physical fatigue, irregular schedules, sleep deprivation, and the emotional weight of patient outcomes. In specialties such as orthopaedics, where many cases involve trauma, pain, disability, and long recovery journeys, the responsibility extends well beyond the operating theatre.

According to the experts, doctors are mainly seeking mental health care for:

• Emotional exhaustion

• Burnout

• Sleep disturbances

• Chronic stress

• Anxiety

• Compassion fatigue

Neha Cadabam says, “Many doctors find it difficult to acknowledge their own emotional struggles because medicine has traditionally valued endurance and self-sacrifice. Seeking help is often perceived as a sign of weakness when, in reality, it reflects insight and self-awareness.”

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A Look At Stark Reality

In a real-life case, a 38-year-old emergency medicine specialist sought mental health support after years of managing trauma cases, and long shifts led to burnout, anxiety, compassion fatigue and sleep problems.

After psychotherapy and stress management, the doctor reported improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and better work-life balance.

In another situation, a 45-year-old obstetrician and gynaecologist sought help for burnout, chronic stress, and anxiety caused by the demands of high-risk pregnancies, emergency procedures, and medico-legal pressures.

Therapy helped improve emotional wellbeing, sleep, and the ability to disconnect from work outside hospital hours.

Heal The Healers

Doctors are often seen as symbols of resilience, but the misplaced resilience is taking a toll on their mental health. Acknowledging that doctors experience stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue is not commentary on their professionalism.

Dr Jagadeesh P.C says, “The well-being of doctors is closely linked to the quality of care they provide. As healthcare systems evolve, there is a growing need to create environments that support the physical and emotional well-being of medical professionals. On Doctor's Day, it is important to recognize not only the dedication of doctors but also the immense pressures they navigate every day while caring for others."

As conversations around mental health continue to gain exposure, experts say supporting doctors' psychological wellbeing should become an integral part of strengthening healthcare systems.

Every year on July 1, India celebrates National Doctors' Day. This year's theme, "Honor the Calling," is a timely reminder that medicine is not merely a profession—it is a lifelong commitment to service, sacrifice, and human compassion. Behind every consultation, emergency intervention, surgery, and diagnosis is a doctor who has spent over a decade training to save lives. Yet, at a time when healthcare has achieved remarkable advances, trust in doctors appears to be facing one of its greatest tests.

India's Healthcare Landscape

India today has nearly 14 lakh registered doctors, giving the country a doctor-population ratio better than the World Health Organization's recommended benchmark of 1:1000. Yet numbers alone do not tell the full story. India continues to grapple with unequal access to healthcare, overburdened public systems, and significant shortages of specialists in rural and semi-urban regions.

At the same time, the demands on doctors have never been greater.

A physician today is expected to be a clinician, counsellor, communicator, technologist, administrator, and often crisis manager—all at once. Every day, doctors make decisions that can determine whether a patient recovers, survives, or faces lifelong complications. Despite this responsibility, public perception of doctors is increasingly shaped by isolated incidents rather than the reality of millions of successful patient interactions that occur every day.

Rising Workplace Violence and Burnout

The truth is that the overwhelming majority of doctors enter medicine for one reason—to heal.

Yet, increasingly, they do so under immense pressure. According to studies published in leading medical journals and data referenced by the Indian Medical Association, more than 75% of doctors in India have experienced some form of workplace violence, ranging from verbal abuse and intimidation to physical assault. In many cases, the perpetrators are distressed family members struggling to cope with grief, uncertainty, or unexpected outcomes. The impact extends beyond personal safety.

Studies have also shown that over 80% of doctors report significant workplace stress and burnout, fueled by long working hours, rising patient loads, medico-legal concerns, and fear of violence.

The Growing Trust Deficit

No profession can function effectively when fear becomes part of the workplace. Compounding the challenge is a growing trust deficit. Research indicates that nearly 80% of patients search online after visiting a doctor, often seeking validation or clarification about diagnoses and treatments. While informed patients are welcome, the trend also reflects a lack of trust in the healthcare provider, which used to be one of the basic things in the past, and a communication gap that healthcare must urgently address.

Healthcare Has Changed Dramatically

Healthcare itself has changed dramatically. Over the last two decades, advances in neonatal care, robotics, minimally invasive surgery, fertility treatment, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine have transformed once unimaginable outcomes. Patients today have access to world-class healthcare technologies that were unavailable a generation ago.

However, as healthcare has become more specialized and hospital-centric, something valuable has been lost—the enduring relationship between a patient and a trusted family physician.

Why Family Doctors Still Matter

For decades, family doctors formed the backbone of healthcare. They understood not only diseases but also the people behind them. They guided families through preventive care, chronic illnesses, pregnancies, childhood illnesses, and ageing. They represented continuity, trust, and reassurance.

Today, many patients enter the healthcare system only when illness strikes, often bypassing primary care altogether. The result is a system that excels at treatment but frequently misses opportunities for prevention.

This shift has also led to a common misconception—that doctors are responsible for rising healthcare costs. In reality, healthcare expenses are driven by multiple factors, including technology investments, infrastructure, regulatory requirements, advanced diagnostics, and operational costs. Doctors are often the most visible face of a much larger ecosystem and therefore become the easiest target for public frustration.

Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare

The answer lies not in assigning blame but in rebuilding trust. India must strengthen primary healthcare, invest in family medicine, promote preventive care, and create safer working environments for healthcare professionals. Hospitals and healthcare providers must also focus on improving communication, transparency, and patient engagement. Trust is the most powerful medicine in healthcare. Without it, even the best technology cannot deliver its full promise.

Honoring the Promise of Medicine

This National Doctors' Day, as we honor the calling, let us remember the countless doctors who work through nights, weekends, emergencies, and personal sacrifices to care for others.

They are not defined by headlines or stereotypes.

They are defined by the lives they save, the families they comfort, and the hope they restore every single day.

Medicine is not merely a profession. It is a promise—and that promise deserves our trust, respect, and protection.

(By Dr R Kishore Kumar, President- National Neonatology Forum, Karnataka Chapter. The author is also the Founder Chairman & Senior Neonatologist & Paediatrician at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals.)