This common lifestyle disease can fuel aggressive breast cancer, says study

By Admin

29 Aug, 2025

Breast cancer continues to be one of the most pressing health concerns worldwide, and researchers are constantly uncovering new factors that can influence its severity. A recent study has found a troubling link between Type 2 Diabetes, a rapidly growing lifestyle disease, and aggressive forms of breast cancer. The findings reveal how diabetes may weaken the body’s natural defenses, fueling tumor growth and making treatment more challenging.

The Study’s Breakthrough Findings

Researchers from Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine discovered that exosomes tiny blood particles that change in response to diabetes can retrain immune cells within tumors. Instead of attacking cancer cells, these immune cells become suppressed, creating a favorable environment for the tumor to grow and spread.

The study, published in Springer Nature, is the first to directly link exosomes from people with type 2 diabetes to reduced immune activity inside human breast tumors. Using tumor samples from breast cancer patients, researchers grew 3D tumor models in the lab and analyzed them with single-cell RNA sequencing.

“Breast cancer is already challenging to treat, and people with type 2 diabetes have worse outcomes, but clinicians don’t fully understand why,” said Gerald Denis, PhD, Shipley Prostate Cancer Research Professor at BU. “Our study reveals one possible reason: diabetes changes the way the immune system works inside tumors. This could help explain why current treatments, like immunotherapy, don’t work as well in patients with diabetes.”

Rising Cases of Aggressive Breast Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, aggressive breast cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, and angiosarcoma of the breast are on the rise, especially among women under 40. These types often spread faster and have worse prognoses compared to slow-growing forms like ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ.

A review published in PubMed Central (PMC) further highlights that breast cancer in young patients tends to be more aggressive, underscoring the need for early detection and targeted treatment.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes – A Lifestyle Disease

Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that develops when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or when the body fails to use insulin effectively. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Without proper regulation, excess glucose in the bloodstream can damage critical systems such as the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies diabetes as a major lifestyle disease, with rising cases attributed to poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress.

How to Reduce the Risk

Since diabetes can worsen breast cancer outcomes, prevention and lifestyle management are more important than ever. Some effective steps include:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals
  
  

• Avoiding excess sugar and refined carbohydrates
  
  

• Engaging in regular physical activity
  
  

• Practicing stress management techniques like yoga or meditation
  
  

• Scheduling regular health check-ups for early detection of diabetes and breast cancer
  
  

Conclusion

The study sheds light on a critical connection between Type 2 Diabetes and aggressive breast cancer, opening doors for more personalized treatment strategies in the future. As both conditions continue to rise globally, adopting healthier lifestyle habits and prioritizing preventive healthcare can make a significant difference in reducing risks and improving outcomes.