Dr Liz O’Riordan was working as a consultant breast cancer surgeon when she was diagnosed with the disease herself in 2015. She has now shared the breakfast she eats every day
A doctor who was diagnosed with breast cancer three times has shared her new daily routine to stay healthy,
Dr Liz O’Riordan was a consultant breast cancer surgeon before her diagnosis in 2015. Aged 40, she faced “every treatment” she had advised for countless parents throughout her career.
Her personal struggle with cancer taught Liz “just how little she knew” about living with the illness. After enduring surgery and chemotherapy, she managed to return to work.
Tragically, the cancer returned in 2018, requiring further surgery and radiotherapy. The recurrence of the disease inflicted lasting damage on her left shoulder movement, leading to her retirement from surgical practice.
Now an advocate for better cancer care quality, Liz has written a new book and given speeches to inspire those affected by the disease. Her book, ‘The Cancer Roadmap: New science-backed guide to your cancer treatment path’, sharies her insights into the ordeal, reports Surrey Live.
Among these, Liz shared how she made one major lifestyle changes. She now eats the same breakfast every day, to highlight the importance of a healthy diet in the fight against the disease.
To boost her wellbeing, Liz – who has embraced cycling and Iron Man half-marathons – swears by a nutritious start to the day. Macmillan Cancer Support underlines that a healthy diet might prevent up to one-third of all UK cancers (30 percent).
Abandoning her previous habit of consuming “sugary cereals” has been key for Liz, especially in light of a 2022 study linking high-sugar diets to a greater risk of cancer.
Liz wrote: “I personally hate porridge, cheese and eggs, and I used to live off sugary cereals, so now I have a chocolate whey protein powder and make a smoothie with some frozen fruit to make sure I get my morning protein fix.”
Liz concedes that porridge is a solid protein source for kick-starting the day, despite her tastebuds’ objections. She suggests overnight oats or bircher muesli as top-notch alternatives for the early hours.
The health expert advises tossing in a good mix of berries, dicing an apple, or adding a handful of nuts to beef up your meal. And don’t forget about yoghurt; it’s packed with protein and ideal for crafting a scrumptious brekkie, she says.
Heartier options like omelettes or scrambled eggs also get the thumbs-up from her. Even better if they’re jazzed up with cheese, ham, and veggies.
To buy The Cancer Roadmap, visit here:
Is there a link between sugar and cancer?
A 2022 US study draws a connection betwenn people battling metabolic syndrome – a known red flag for cancer – and their penchant for sugary or high-fructose diets. The researchers are calling time on our collective sugar binges.
What the study uncovered was rather telling: “Preclinical studies and studies of people with MetS show that high-sucrose or high-fructose diets activate several mechanistic pathways, including inflammation, glucose, and lipid metabolic pathways, suggesting a causal link between excess sugar consumption and cancer development and progression that is independent of weight gain.
“Dietary guidelines and US policy need to reflect this new knowledge. Concerted action is needed to lower sugar intake in the US and other countries, better inform the public of the risks of excess sugar intake, and conduct more robust research in the field of added sugar and cancer.”
NHS advice about cancer and your diet
The NHS backs suggestions from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), echoing the belief that a wholesome diet ranks as a top preventative measure against cancer, second only to quitting smoking. Not just content with diet alone, the WCRF also champions exercise to keep cancer at bay and dishes out particular dietary advice.
The WCRF advises:
- Eating more wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, and beans
- Curb processed foods rich in added sugars or fats, or low on fibre
- Keep red meat like beef, pork, and lamb down to 350-500g per week and give processed meats the cold shoulder
- Steer clear of sugary drinks
- For dodging cancer, leave alcohol untouched (if you do drink, keep it to 14 units weekly, ensuring at least two dry days)
- Do not rely on supplements as a guard against cancer
