You’ve likely searched online and found – relatively easily – evidence-based advice and resources about nutrition and cancer. But even just 20 years ago there was sparse evidence and little focus on nutrition and cancer. And for cancer patients, it was almost impossible to access reliable food advice to help them through treatment and recovery.
In 1997, dietitian and three-time cancer survivor Diana Dyer shared her journey of healing – focused on food and nutrition – with a Detroit newspaper. The day the article appeared Diana began receiving hundreds of inquiries from around the world asking for help and advice. She responded with a book about her recovery journey, weaving in her nutrition expertise which included practical tips for a healing diet.
This year and many reprintings later, AICR celebrates with Diana twenty successful years of A Dietitian’s Cancer Story: Information and Inspiration for Recovery and Healing. Diana’s story continues to inspire those with cancer to nourish themselves and learn how to seek research-based solutions with the help of dietitians and health professionals.
AICR has a long relationship with Diana and we are grateful to her for blazing the diet and nutrition trail for patients and survivors. Today there is far more research on the science of food and nutrients for cancer prevention and survivorship than in 1997. Nutrition recommendations related to cancer have shifted as the science has grown. So although some of the language and scientific information looks different today, Diana’s personal story is the heart and soul of the book. And her practical advice for navigating food preparation, cooking and healthy eating offer a lifeline for anyone in treatment.
Her tips about how survivors can boost their fruits and vegetables, sample menus, recipes and dining out tips are evergreen. For patients considering non-standard treatment, she has a useful decision tree for how to evaluate and weigh the options.
In her book, Diana encourages readers to pick and choose the strategies that work for them, when they are ready. She wants her book to offer real hope for each person to develop a healing recipe for themselves, as she did for herself.
very useful. we have to stand together to survivors .