Cancer: A Fundamentally Misunderstood Disease

Cancer Isn't Just Bad Luck or Bad Genes

A diagnosis is rarely just bad luck or bad genes.

Only 5-15% of cases are linked to a genetic predisposition or mutation.

Why Cancer Seems to "Run in the Family

Cancer can "run in the family" because relatives tend to follow the family culture and accepted wisdom surrounding food, movement/exercise habits, and lifestyle choices (smoking, alcohol, etc.).

Families are also exposed to the same environmental toxins, i.e.: pesticide exposure from nearby farms, air pollution from high-traffic roads, gas stoves, etc.

How Healthy Cells Become Cancerous

If:

• Our body’s systems are functioning

• We’re eating nourishing food

• Avoiding toxic exposures (plastics, chemicals, heavy metals, and synthetic vitamins that can behave differently than food-based nutrients, etc.)

the cancerous (abnormal) cells we all produce have the chance to die off in a process called apoptosis. 

Your Body's "Inner Terrain

Cancer develops over time, when our “inner terrain” is dysfunctional, and hospitable to its continued growth. 

Where Nutrition Fits In

Nutrition is not a cure, but it is vital to combatting any disease, and improving quality of life.

Each person is unique, and requires individualized care. 

As a certified oncology nutrition consultant (ONC), I help cancer survivors integrate diet and lifestyle changes to improve the efficacy of treatment, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

How I Build Your Personalized Nutrition Protocol

To create your protocol, I assess multiple factors including:

• Diet

• Lifestyle

• Environmental exposures

• Cancer type

• Blood work

• Nutrient deficiencies

• and nutrigenomics (if desired)

You’ll receive ongoing support as you integrate diet and lifestyle changes and an empowering diet plan with nutrient-dense and anti-cancer foods based on your specific needs.

Take an Active Role in Your Care

Nutrition is one of the best ways you can take an active role in your care. 

To learn more about oncology support, check out my services page here.

Your first step is to book a Discovery Call.

To lower your toxic burden and adopt an anticancer lifestyle, check out my Basics of Anticancer Nutrition Course.

Citations

1. Lichtenstein P, Holm NV, Verkasalo PK, et al. Environmental and heritable factors in the causation of cancer, analyses of cohorts of twins from Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. N Engl J Med. 2000;343(2):78-85. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200007133430201 

2. Anand P, Kunnumakkara AB, Sundaram C, et al. Cancer is a preventable disease that requires major lifestyle changes. Pharm Res. 2008;25(9):2097-2116. doi:10.1007/s11095-008-9661-9

3. Elmore S. Apoptosis: A Review of Programmed Cell Death. Toxicol Pathol. 2007;35(4):495-516. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926230701320337 
4. Alavanja MC, Ross MK, Bonner MR. Increased cancer burden among pesticide applicators and others due to pesticide exposure. CA Cancer J Clin. 2013;63(2):120-142. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21170 
5. Turner MC, et al. Outdoor air pollution and cancer: An overview of the current evidence and public health recommendations. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70(6):460-479. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21632 
6. Kashtan YS, et al. Nitrogen dioxide exposure, health outcomes, and associated demographic disparities due to gas and propane combustion by U.S. stoves. Sci Adv. 2024. 

© 2025 Mistletoe Nutrition and Wellness LLC

Disclaimer: The information shared on this blog post is intended for inspirational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Nothing on this blog post is intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes and do not forego or delay seeking medical attention based on the information shared on this blog post. You acknowledge and agree that the results of any of our services, offerings, or products as described in a testimonial are not typical, are for illustrative purposes only, and cannot be guaranteed or assumed to be achievable by you. Please always consider your personal situation and do your own research.