Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
Every year, more than 2.5 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide, and approximately one in seven women will be affected during their lifetime. Despite major progress, breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women globally.
There is, however, encouraging news. Survival rates have improved dramatically — five-year survival now exceeds 90% for those diagnosed at an early stage. These gains reflect decades of progress in screening, early detection, and increasingly effective, individualised treatments.
As more women live longer after a breast cancer diagnosis, our focus must expand beyond survival to long-term health and quality of life. This is where lifestyle medicine plays a pivotal role. Evidence-based interventions — including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social support — not only improve overall wellbeing but also reduce recurrence risk and treatment-related complications. Integrating lifestyle medicine into breast cancer care represents the next frontier: supporting women not just to survive, but to truly thrive.
How Can Lifestyle Medicine Help?
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Alcohol and Weight
Women who are overweight or obese after menopause have a 20%-60% higher breast cancer risk than those who are lean. Even moderate alcohol can increase breast cancer risk and women who both consume alcohol regularly and have overweight or obesity face an amplified risk. The hormonal and inflammatory effects of alcohol synergise with those of excess weight, further increasing oestrogen levels and increasing risk.
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Nutrition
A predominantly whole-food, plant-forward diet — rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds — is consistently linked to lower breast cancer incidence and improved survival. High dietary fibre supports estrogen metabolism and a healthy microbiome, while antioxidant- and phytonutrient-rich foods reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Limiting alcohol, ultra-processed foods, and saturated fats further decreases recurrence and mortality risk
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Physical Activity
Regular exercise reduces postmenopausal breast cancer risk by up to 25% and lowers recurrence and all-cause mortality among survivors. Both aerobic and resistance training improve insulin sensitivity, body composition, and inflammation while alleviating treatment-related fatigue and depression. Exercise also enhances immune function, promoting better tolerance of therapy and long-term vitality.
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Restorative Sleep
Poor sleep quality and short duration are linked to dysregulated cortisol, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation — all of which can adversely affect breast cancer outcomes. Prioritising consistent sleep schedules and sleep hygiene may help optimise immune repair, hormonal balance, and overall recovery during and after treatment
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Stress Management
Chronic psychological stress can influence tumor-promoting pathways via cortisol and inflammatory signaling. Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and breathing practices have been shown to reduce stress hormones, improve immune parameters, and enhance quality of life in survivors. Integrating these strategies into care supports emotional resilience and physical recovery
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Social Connection
Strong social support networks correlate with lower mortality and better coping in breast cancer survivors. Peer and group programs improve adherence to healthy behaviors and reduce depression and fatigue. Fostering connection — through family, community, or survivorship programs — strengthens motivation and a sense of meaning, key drivers of sustained wellbeing.
“I’m a breast specialist and lifestyle medicine physician and I feel privileged to care for so many incredible women throughout their breast health journeys. My perspective deepened when my own mother was diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer several years ago — she’s now thriving — and that experience reinforced just how profoundly life-changing this diagnosis can be.
My passion lies in helping women optimise their breast and overall health through proactive, evidence-based lifestyle interventions. By combining my breast care expertise with qualifications in nutrition, health coaching, and lifestyle medicine, I offer a truly integrated and personalised approach. I work with women across all stages — from prevention to survivorship — to reduce risk, support recovery, and enhance long-term wellbeing. My goal is to help build a community not just of survivors, but of thrivers.”