Breast Cancer - Lifestyle and Dietary Choices

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

Depends on the origin (type) of breast cancer. So far, changes in two genes, the high-risk "breast cancer genes" BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been implicated in its development. Other risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise, Type II diabetes mellitus, unhealthy diet (especially high-fat diet), consumption of alcohol and nicotine, long-term replacement of female sex hormones after menopause, and chest radiation in childhood. If breast cancer is not related to genetic issues, adopting an alcohol-free and non-smoking lifestyle, along with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, will definitely help in preventing cancer.

Thanks