The Risk of Following Influencers vs Experts for Nutrition After Cancer

Not all advice is good advice

Search "best diet after cancer," and you’ll find millions of results. Some websites claim keto is the answer. Others swear by fasting. Some insist you must cut out sugar completely.

But here’s the problem: most of this advice isn’t backed by evidence. There is no single diet that can reduce cancer risk on its own. Sorry, friends—cancer prevention and recurrence risk reduction are far more nuanced than simply following one diet trend.

Instead, it’s about optimising your diet (we love the Mediterranean diet, high fibre, and plenty of plants), avoiding processed foods, considering environmental factors, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and tailoring your approach to your individual risk factors.

Misinformation can be harmful

Some wellness influencers base their advice on personal experiences, trends, or half-truths. While they may have good intentions, without a deep understanding of oncology, metabolism, and gut health, their recommendations can be:

• Too extreme – Cutting out entire food groups can lead to malnutrition.
• Too simplistic – "Just eat clean" doesn’t address individual needs after cancer.
• Too fear-driven – Demonising foods can create anxiety around eating.

What the research actually says

• You don’t need extreme diets. The key is balance, whole foods, and sustainable habits.
• Sugar doesn’t “feed cancer.” However, a diet high in ultra-processed foods can negatively impact health.
• Fasting isn’t a cure. While it has some potential benefits, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Useful articles and resources

• Can your diet prevent and treat cancer? – Dietitians Australia
• Cancer Australia – Diet
• What about diet?” A qualitative study of cancer survivors' views on diet and cancer and their sources of information – European Journal of Cancer Care

How to spot bad advice

• Promises of a miracle cure
• Fear-based messaging (e.g., "Eat this, or your cancer will return!")
• No references to actual research
• No qualifications in oncology, nutrition, or health science

Who should you trust?

• Qualified experts in oncology nutrition
• Professionals who base recommendations on scientific evidence
• People who understand post-cancer challenges first hand and follow evidence-based guidelines

At The NutraThrive Collective, we understand the confusion and anxiety that come with navigating nutrition after cancer. That’s why we created our Nourished for Life 8-Week Program for Busy People—to provide trusted, expert guidance without fear-mongering.

Our approach combines evidence-based nutrition science with practical strategies that acknowledge your unique journey and challenges.

Don’t let misinformation shape your recovery. Connect with qualified professionals who understand both the science and the human experience of cancer survivorship.

Thanks for reading. To find out more about The NutraThrive Collective head to www.thenutrathrivecollective.com