Why Waiting for the 'Right Time' to Get Nutrition Support Might Be Holding You Back — and What You Can Do Instead

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, life can feel like it suddenly splits in two: before and after. Everything shifts — your schedule, your relationships, your priorities. You’re told what treatment you’ll need, when it starts, what the side effects might be. But often, no one tells you what you can do in the meantime — especially when it comes to your body, your energy, your long-term health.

As a cancer nutritionist working with clients across the UK as well as worldwide, I’ve heard every reason why people delay getting nutritional support:

“I’m just focusing on getting through treatment right now.”
“I’ll wait to see what the scan shows.”
“My oncologist said diet doesn’t matter.”
“I don’t want to make any changes unless I have to.”
"I don't have the headspace for anything extra right now."

And yet, time and time again, I hear from those same people months later:

“I wish I’d started sooner.”

There is no perfect time.

When you’re going through cancer, the idea of adding anything else to your plate can feel overwhelming. But working with a qualified oncology nutritionist isn’t about giving you more to do. It’s about helping you understand what your body needs during and after treatment — so that you can feel stronger, more supported, and less at the mercy of uncertainty.

Whether you’re navigating chemotherapy, recovering from surgery, managing hormone therapy, or in remission but anxious about recurrence, there’s always something we can do to support the terrain your cancer developed in. That terrain — the internal environment made up of your immune system, gut health, blood sugar balance, inflammation levels, circadian rhythm and more — can’t wait for a quieter time. It’s operating now.

If not now, when?

Common objections I hear from cancer patients — and why it's worth rethinking them:

“I just want to get through treatment first.”

Understandable — treatment can be all-consuming. But the right nutritional support can often help you get through treatment with more resilience. It can support your immune system, manage side effects, and protect your strength.
If not now, when?

“I don’t want to rock the boat.”

You might be worried that changing your diet or introducing supplements could interfere with treatment. But as a trained nutritionist for cancer patients, I work collaboratively with your medical team (or independently with clear boundaries) to ensure what we do is safe, evidence-informed and supportive — never disruptive.
If not now, when?

“I’ve already started making changes on my own.”

That’s great — and it’s a good start. But self-directed changes, while well-intentioned, can sometimes miss key areas of support or even do more harm than good. For example, restricting certain food groups without understanding their function, or taking supplements without checking for drug interactions. A personalised plan from a qualified cancer nutritionist ensures your efforts are safe, balanced and effective.
If not now, when?

“I don’t want to be told what I can’t eat.”

This is a big one. Many people worry that seeing a nutritionist will mean giving up everything they enjoy. But this isn’t about punishment or perfection. It’s about creating a nourishing environment for your body — and your life. Most of my clients are surprised by how much they can eat and how good food can still feel, even in the middle of treatment.
If not now, when?

Cancer care should be proactive — not just reactive.

Most of my clients have been told by their medical team that they can “eat what they like.” And I understand where that comes from — clinicians are focused on treating the disease itself. But food isn’t just fuel. It’s information. It influences everything from immune function and treatment tolerance to recovery and quality of life.

A personalised approach to nutrition, grounded in functional testing and metabolic health, allows us to go beyond generic advice. As a nutritionist for cancer patients, I look at what your body is telling us — through your blood work, gut health, hormone balance, toxicity load and more — and create a plan that supports you as a whole person, not just the tumour.

This isn’t about restrictive diets, miracle cures, or adding stress.
It’s about clarity, support, and evidence-based action.
If not now, when?

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to take action.

You don’t have to wait for the next scan. You don’t have to wait for your energy to “come back.” You don’t even have to wait for permission from your oncologist to start looking at what you can do to feel more in control.

You can start now — gently, sustainably, and in a way that fits with your reality.

If you’re ready to stop waiting and start listening to your body & want to act:

If that’s you, I’m here.
To listen.
To guide.
To help you take that first step.

Because waiting for the perfect time often just becomes waiting forever.
And the most powerful time to start healing your terrain?