Breast cancer begins long before the lump: why diet and lifestyle matter

Students seen taking part in a ‘Pink Umbrella’ walk to create awareness on breast cancer. Image used for representational purposes only | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B Last month, celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminded us, as it does every year, about the importance of mammograms, early diagnosis, and advances in treatment. These messages save lives and deserve continued attention. However, there is another conversation that often receives far less attention: the role of food, physical activity, obesity, diabetes, physical activity, and metabolic health in breast cancer.In my oncology clinic, patients are often surprised when I bring up these topics. They say, “Doctor, I knew breast cancer was related to family history. I didn’t know that lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity had anything to do with it.” Published - November 05, 2026 01:30 pm IST