Dr Punam Krishan on breast cancer: ‘Early detection saves lives, it saved mine’

When you hear the words ‘you have cancer’, life changes in an instant; and that was no different for Vitality Ambassador and NHS GP Dr Punam Krishan.

In January, the TV doctor revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. In the emotional post on her social channels, she wrote: “I heard the words that nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer.

“I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it’s my reality and my truth.”

But having completed her treatment and now in remission, Krishan is determined that her story will not just be one of diagnosis.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I had no family history. I was well. I’m a doctor. And yet here I am. That’s why awareness matters.”

Dr Punam Krishan, Vitality Ambassador

Describing how “nothing – absolutely nothing” prepared her for receiving a diagnosis, she now wants to make more people aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer and empower people to speak to their doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

Speaking to Vitality for the first time since her diagnosis, she shares how her day-to-day life is evolving, why it’s reshaped her approach to her work and how early detection saved her life.

Being told you have breast cancer is life-altering, how have you navigated life since your diagnosis?

Being told I had breast cancer changed my life in an instant. One conversation, and suddenly everything felt uncertain.

As a doctor, I’ve supported many patients through that moment – but nothing prepares you for hearing those words yourself. The shock is physical. The fear is immediate. And in that space, medical knowledge doesn’t soften the emotional impact.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve navigated life much more intentionally. Treatment was physically and mentally tough, but what stayed with me most was the emotional aftermath – the vulnerability of having your mortality discussed so openly.

I realised very quickly that healing isn’t just about medical intervention; it’s about how you live in the in-between moments.

I’ve slowed down. I’ve protected my energy more carefully. I’ve leaned into the people who ground me. I’ve spent time walking, being outdoors, allowing my nervous system to settle instead of pushing myself to ‘bounce back’. I’ve accepted that healing isn’t linear – and that it’s okay not to rush it.

More than anything, this experience has made me live with greater intention. I value the ordinary moments more deeply now.

I’m still healing – but I’m doing so with a clearer sense of what truly matters.

What were the first symptoms you experienced before getting them checked?

For me, it began with an unusual ache in my breast and into my armpit that simply wouldn’t go away.

It wasn’t a textbook lump. It wasn’t dramatic. But it was persistent – and it felt different for me.

Alongside that was a gut instinct. A quiet sense that something wasn’t right. I couldn’t ignore it.

• How to check yourself for breast cancer | Magazine | Vitality

Why did you think it was important to get checked?

Because persistence matters. As a GP, I always say to patients: if something is new, ongoing, or feels different for you, get it checked.

And this time I had to take my own advice. We know that early detection saves lives. It saved mine.

My consultant later told me that six months could have changed my outlook significantly. That comment has stayed with me – not as a source of fear, but as a reminder of how powerful it is to act early.

“Your health is everything. Not work. Not perfection. Not productivity.”

Dr Punam Krishan, Vitality Ambassador

I also want people to know this: reassurance is not a waste of anyone’s time. If something is causing you background anxiety, that reassurance in itself can be therapeutic.

I would always rather see someone and tell them everything is fine than have them ignore something that isn’t.

• 10 early warning signs of cancer you shouldn’t ignore | Magazine | Vitality

Having been given a cancer diagnosis, do you think it will change your approach to advising your patients?

Absolutely. I was always clinically thorough, but lived experience deepens empathy in a way that textbooks never can.

I now understand, more viscerally, the trauma of waiting for results. The way fear sits in your body. The grief for the version of life you thought you had. The loss of trust in your own body.

I will be even more mindful of the emotional journey alongside the medical one. I’ll check in more after treatment finishes, because from the outside people assume that once treatment ends, everything is ‘back to normal’.

The truth is, that’s often when a different kind of healing begins.

How important was it to you to make your story public?

It was deeply important to me. I’ve always used my platform to educate and empower, and it felt disingenuous to go through something like this silently when I know it could help others.

I didn’t share for sympathy. I shared because if one person listens to their body sooner, or feels less alone while navigating their own diagnosis, then it’s worth it.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I had no family history. I was well. I’m a doctor. And yet here I am. That’s why awareness matters.

Watch our day in the life with Dr Punam Krishan below

What do you want people to take away from your story?

That your health is everything. Not work. Not perfection. Not productivity.

Treat your body the way you would your baby or your best friend. Be kind to it. Stay connected to it. You are your body’s greatest advocate.

And if you’re currently walking this path – whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, in remission, or supporting someone you love – you are not alone. The emotional weight is real. The healing is complex and it’s okay to take your time.

What’s your message to someone who has been putting off getting checked by their GP?

Please don’t wait.

If something is new, persistent, or causing you that niggling sense of doubt, book the appointment. This isn’t about creating anxiety – it’s about empowerment.

Most symptoms will turn out to be benign. But if they aren’t, catching something early can make all the difference.

Listening to my body changed my outcome. And that’s a message I will keep repeating – not as a doctor speaking from theory, but as someone who has lived it.

• Read more about how health insurance and cancer cover in our guide: Health insurance and cancer cover explained

Related: 5 types of cancer screening we should all be aware of