Why Everybody Can Work with a Cancer Dietitian

By Laura Velcoff  |   |  ⏱️ 7 min read

The Wellness Ally You Didn’t Know You Needed: Meet Your Cancer Dietitian!

Did you know❓ A cancer dietitian isn’t just for people who already have cancer.
They can help you stay healthy and even prevent cancer! 🌱

Whether you want to eat better or you have family members who had cancer, working with a cancer dietitian can be a game-changer! 💪

 

📊 Let’s Look at the Numbers

➡️ 2️⃣ out of 5️⃣ Canadians are expected to get cancer in their lifetime (1).

 

🧬 What Affects Your Cancer Risk?

Some things you can’t change, like your age or genes.
But don’t worry — there’s still SO much you can do to stay healthy! 💛

Risk Factor Why It Matters 🧐
🎂 Age Cancer is more common as people age, around 65 years old, due to the build-up of cell damage in the body over time (2).
👥 Ethnicity Different ethnic groups have higher risks, but it’s often linked to other things like finances and access to health care (3).
🧬 Genetics Some people inherit genes that increase cancer risk — but it’s rare (4)!
🚼 Sex Different body parts mean different risks (like breast cancer or prostate cancer).

 

🌟 How a Cancer Dietitian Helps You

When you work with Laura (our amazing cancer dietitian!), you can:

🍴 Learn which foods can keep you strong and prevent cancer.
💡 Understand your personal risk factors.
💬 Make simple changes that fit your life.

 

❓Did You Know?

➡️ About 4 out of 10 cancer cases can be prevented with healthy habits (5-6)! 🎉

 

🥦 How to Help Prevent Cancer

You don’t have to be perfect! It’s about doing your best every day. 🌈

 

🍎 1. Eat Well!

Eat MORE of this 🍽️ Eat LESS of this 🚫
🥜 Beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds 🥩 Bacon, hot dogs, and processed meats (7)
🥦 Fruits and veggies 🍟 Fast food like fries and burgers
💧 Water, herbal tea 🧃 Sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice

Quick Tip:
🥗 Make your plate colourful! Half veggies/fruits, one-quarter whole grains, and one-quarter protein.

 

🏃 2. Be Active!

Moving your body = 💪 Powering your health!

Physical Activity 🚶‍♂️ Exercise 🏋️
🐕 Walking your dog 🏋️‍♀️ Lifting weights or using weight machines
🚲 Biking to school or work 🏃‍♂️ Running or brisk walking
🧹 Cleaning your house 🎾 Playing sports

Quick Tip:
🕒 Aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week! That’s about 20 minutes a day!

 

🚭 3. Live Smoke-Free

Smoking Can Cause 🚫 Quitting Can Help ✅
🎗️ 16 types of cancer (8) 💵 Save money
🫁 Lung and heart problems 🏃 Feel better when exercising
👶 Problems during pregnancy 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Protect your family

Quick Tip:
It’s never too late to quit. There’s lots of support—and we’re here for you! 🫶

 

⚖️ 4. Keep a Healthy Body Weight

Do MORE ✅ Do LESS 🚫
🥗 Eat fruits, veggies, and whole grains 🍔 Eat lots of fast food
🚶 Move your body every day 📺 Sit around too much
💧 Drink water 🥤 Drink sugary drinks

Quick Tip:
🥰 Eating healthy isn’t just about weight—it’s about feeling awesome inside and out!

💬 Worried about your weight?
That’s okay. It is important to talk to your healthcare team to discuss your options, so you can decide what is best for you and your health (9). 💛

 

🍷 5. Drink Less Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can harm your health. Just 3 to 6 drinks a week can raise your risk of cancers like breast and colon cancer (10).

Here’s what a “standard drink” looks like:

Drink Type 🍻 How Much 🍹
🍺 Beer 1 beer bottle (12 oz or 350 mL)
🍷 Wine 1 small glass (5 oz or 150 mL)
🍸 Spirits 1 shot (1.5 oz or 50 mL)

Quick Tip:
🥂 Drinking no alcohol can lower your cancer risk, help you sleep better, feel clearer, and have more energy. You can try:

✔️ Drinking water or soda water with lemon instead
✔️ Saying “no thanks” or planning ahead for social events
✔️ Choosing alcohol-free versions of your favourite drinks

Want to learn more? See our blog—Revive Reviews: NEW Alcohol Guidelines—for more on alcohol and your health!

 

🌍 Health Beyond Cancer

Working with a cancer dietitian also helps you:

⚡ Boost your energy
😴 Sleep better
💨 Help digestion
🪞 Feel good about your body and food!

 

💭 You Don’t need a Diagnosis to Deserve Support

At Revive Wellness, we believe everyone deserves access to informed, compassionate nutrition care—no matter their health history. A cancer dietitian isn’t just for treatment. They’re a partner in your prevention, your vitality, and your empowered living. 🌟

If you’re ready to explore how food can support your body, your peace of mind, and your long-term wellness, we’re here to help you take that next step. 👣💕

👉 Ready to meet Laura and start your journey?
Book a 15-minute discovery call with her today! 🥰

 

About the Author

Laura Velcoff

I am all about helping people find joy in food again. Whether you are experiencing side effects of cancer, struggling with gut symptoms, or just wanting to relearn how to enjoy your meals, I’ve got your back. Together, we can make a positive impact by using strategies that are not only backed by evidence, but also guide you towards lasting behaviour change. Change can be so tough, but incredibly empowering when taking control of your own health. I am very excited to work alongside you in supporting your mind, body, and overall well-being!

 

References

June 9, 2025
Laura Velcoff
Cancer, Chronic Disease