For almost a year, I followed a fad alkaline diet that everyone seemed to be talking about. I was told it could help my body fight back. I cut out sugar, cut out carbs, and tried to eat my way out of fear. My breast cancer came back anyway, and it came back faster and more aggressive.
I'm sharing this because I believed the hype, and I know many of you have heard the same promises. Maybe a friend said it. Maybe it came from a stranger online with a before-and-after photo. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to talk about the two most common food myths I hear, and what I wish someone had told me sooner.
Myth one: sugar feeds cancer, so cut it out
Your cells use glucose, and that's true. But cutting sugar from your diet will not starve a tumor. Your body makes and uses glucose in many ways, and no food plan can turn off your cancer.
The bigger risk is what restriction does to you. During treatment, cutting carbs and calories can leave you underweight, weak, and less able to handle chemo, radiation, or surgery. Your body needs enough protein and energy to get through treatment and recover from it.
Myth two: sugar or carbs caused my cancer
A cupcake did not give you cancer. Breast cancer has many causes, including genetics, hormones, age, and environment. Some of those factors are things you can't control, and blaming yourself for a slice of cake adds guilt to a situation that is already hard enough.
What healing actually looks like
Healing is holistic. Nutrition is key to a healthy body and mind, but it is one piece of the puzzle. Sleep, stress, movement, emotional support, and your medical team all matter. Paying attention to your whole life, not just one food rule, is what helped me see the full picture.
If you're thinking about changing your diet during or after treatment, start with your oncologist. Then ask for a referral to a registered dietitian who works with cancer patients. A personalized plan from someone who knows your treatment will serve you far better than a trend you found online.
Eat to heal, not to fear
I still eat plant-based, and I still believe whole foods can support a healthy body. What I've learned is that fear is a poor guide for nutrition. Eating enough, eating foods you can tolerate, and working with your care team will do more for you than any fad diet.
If you're walking through cancer right now, I see you. Please don't let anyone make you feel guilty for what you eat, and don't let fear make your decisions for you.