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.

What if staying younger has less to do with expensive anti-aging products and more to do with spending time appreciating the culture. A new study suggests that regular cultural outings may be linked to slower biological aging.

A Trip To The Museum Could Slow Your Biological Age

Expect an unexpected addition to the list of healthy lifestyle habits. Researchers recently found that older adults who frequently visited museums, theaters, cinemas, concerts, and art galleries physically functioned as if they were about three years younger than those who didn’t take part in such activities.

Published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the researchers say that cultural interaction appears to be associated with a younger physiological age, although the study does not prove that cultural activities directly contribute to slow aging.

What The Researchers Found?

The study analyzed data from 1,899 adults aged 50 years and older who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants reported how often they:

• Visited museums or art galleries
• Went to the cinema
• Attended theaters, concerts, or the opera

Also read: Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Help Lower Dementia Risk, Even In Those Who Show Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s: Study

Researchers also assessed 10 health indicators, including:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Lung function
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Grip strength
• Walking speed
• Blood markers linked to aging

These measures were combined to ascertain each participant's physiological age.

People who participated in cultural activities every few months or more had an average physiological age of 66.9 years, compared with 69.9 years among those with lower levels of cultural engagement, a difference of roughly three biological years.

The researchers also found that every one-point increase in a person's cultural engagement score was associated with approximately a 31-day reduction in physiological age, even after accounting for income, employment, and chronic health conditions.

Also read: Bryan Johnson Plans To Create 'Bryan In A Dish' Living Lab To Test Experimental Autoimmune Treatments

Why Might Cultural Activities Help Slow Aging?

Although the study wasn't designed to identify a direct cause, the researchers suggest several possible explanations that can help reduce biological age. Cultural activities may help:

• Strengthen social connections
• Reduce loneliness
• Improve mental well-being
• Encourage people to stay physically active
• Reduce chronic stress

Interestingly, the researchers noted that the association between cultural engagement and slower aging was comparable to the benefits seen with frequent physical activity, highlighting that healthy aging may involve much more than exercise alone.

Culture And Longevity

The latest findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that spending time on cultural activities may benefit both the brain and the body as people age.

Previous studies have found that older adults who regularly visit museums, art galleries, theaters, concerts, and similar cultural spots may have a lower risk of dementia, experience slower cognitive decline, and even live longer than those who rarely engage in such activities.

For example, a 2019 study published in The BMJ reported that adults over 50 who participated in cultural activities every few months or more had a 31% lower risk of death during a 14-year follow-up compared with those who never took part.

Another study from University College London found that frequent museum visits were associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia over the following decade.

The growing trend of medical tourism or cosmetic tourism has become increasingly popular in the age of social media. The dramatic before-and-after results, the thrill of returning home with a new look, and a quenched wanderlust have only contributed to this trend.

While the appeal is evident, we cannot help but ignore the risks and complications one can face while traveling overseas for a cosmetic procedure. On World Plastic Surgery Day, take a look at what you are in for if you are planning to fly off for a procedure.

Why People Travel Abroad For Cosmetic Procedures?

One of the biggest reasons why people travel abroad for cosmetic procedures is the cost. Procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, breast enhancement, rhinoplasty, and dental veneers can cost almost 30% to 70% less in some countries than in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia.

Many cosmetic packages also come with other attractive deals like luxury recovery packages, airport transfers, and hotel stays, combined vacation and surgery experiences, among others.

For some patients, these deals make cosmetic procedures more affordable and convenient. However, lower prices do not always necessarily mean lower quality. But the concern is that patients do not adequately evaluate the standards of clinics before they travel.

Also read: Plastic Surgery Myths Debunked: Experts Explain Cosmetic vs Reconstructive Surgery

Hidden Risks And Complications

Here are some risks and complications that one ought to be aware of before booking those flight tickets.

Infections And Delayed Wound Healing

Patients who fly home too soon may experience wound breakdown, excessive swelling, or bleeding that requires urgent medical attention.

Dr Banodkar says, “Unqualified practitioners, who perform these procedures, may not be adequately trained; they might cause a permanent scar on the skin, or they might even cause a simple infection of the skin that can result in sepsis.”

Unsatisfactory Results

Every surgery carries the possibility of asymmetry, scarring, implant problems, or the need for revision surgery due to unqualified or unskilled practitioners. This could incur hidden costs of corrective surgeries.

Dr. Pravin Banodkar, Consultant Dermatologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe, “There are hidden costs of any corrective treatment which can obviously be much more than what is actually spent for the procedure.”

Limited Follow-Up Care

Many cosmetic procedures require multiple follow-up visits, wound checks, suture removal, and monitoring complications.

Patients returning home shortly after surgery may have limited access to the operating surgeon. Local doctors may also be unfamiliar with the exact techniques or implants used, making management more challenging.

Also read: How Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Transforms Lives After Trauma And Cancer

Limited Legal Protection

Dr Banodkar explains, “Many times, the people who are not trained don't know how to manage complications, and as a result, they are unable to diagnose the problem. Due to this, the adverse effects of the procedure will only increase.”

If complications occur, seeking compensation or legal action across international borders can be difficult and expensive, as medical regulations, malpractice laws, and patient protections vary widely between countries.

For years, the word "cancer" filled people with fear. Many still believe that a cancer diagnosis means the end. As an oncologist practicing in a Tier-2 city, I see every day that this is no longer true.

With early detection and modern treatment, cancer is now often curable. And the best part: you no longer need to travel to metros to get world-class care.

Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Cancer found early is cancer that can be treated easily.

- Breast cancer detected early has a survival rate of over 90%

- Cervical cancer can be prevented with a simple HPV vaccine and regular screening

- Oral, colon, lung, and prostate cancers also respond far better when caught before they spread

The problem: Most patients still come to us when symptoms become severe.

My request to you: Don’t wait. If there is a lump, persistent cough, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss for more than 2-3 weeks, please see a doctor. A 15-minute screening can add years to your life.

Also read: New Painless Brush Test Detects Oral Cancer In Just 60 Minutes With Over 90% Accuracy

Tier-2 Cities Are No Longer Behind

Earlier, patients from smaller cities had only two options: travel repeatedly to big metro hospitals or settle for limited local treatment. Both were exhausting.

That has changed.

Today, most Tier-2 cities now have comprehensive cancer centers with:

CT/MRI/PET scans, advanced pathology labs, chemotherapy daycare, radiation therapy, and experienced cancer surgeons.

This means diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and follow-up can all happen close to your home, with family support and at a lower cost.

Treatment Today Is Smarter, Not Just Stronger

Chemotherapy is still important, but it’s no longer the only option.

1. Targeted Therapy: Medicines that attack only cancer cells based on genetic testing. Fewer side effects.

2. Immunotherapy: Boosts your own immune system to fight cancer. Giving great results in lung cancer, kidney cancer, and blood cancers.

3. Advanced Radiation: Delivers precise radiation to the tumor while protecting healthy organs.

4. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Keyhole and robotic surgeries mean smaller cuts, less pain, faster recovery. Even elderly patients can now safely undergo surgery.

Also read: Cancer Kills Over 26,000 Daily; Cases to Hit 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO Report

Let’s Break 3 Dangerous Myths

Myth 1: "Cancer always causes pain in the beginning"

Fact: Most early cancers are painless. Don’t wait for pain.

Myth 2: "Surgery makes cancer spread"

Fact: This is false. Surgery is often the most curative treatment when done on time.

Myth 3: "Alternative therapies can cure cancer"

Fact: Diet, yoga, and wellness help with strength and side effects. But they cannot replace doctor-prescribed treatment. Delaying proven treatment reduces your chances of cure.

A Message Of Hope

A cancer diagnosis will change your life, but it does not have to end it. Across Tier-2 India, I am seeing patients go back to work, celebrate birthdays, and live full lives after cancer.

The key is 3 things: Awareness, Early Check-ups, and Trusting Modern Medicine. If you or a loved one has symptoms, please consult an oncologist early. Treatment closer to home is now possible, effective, and affordable. Cancer can be fought. And it can be won.

By Dr. Vikas Talreja, Oncologist, Regency Health, Kanpur