What is cancer?
Cancer isn't a single disease, but a group of diseases that occur when normal cells lose the ability to regulate their growth. Instead of growing, repairing and dying as they should, cancer cells continue dividing uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can spread throughout the body.
Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains one of the most complex diseases to understand and manage. Today, nearly 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 — raising important questions about why rates continue to rise.
Western medicine has focused on cancer as a genetic disease, however, only 5–10% of cancers are thought to be associated with gene variants, most arise from epigenetic alterations from modern life — obesity, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyles, poor metabolic health, environmental exposures and changes in diet may all play a part in creating the conditions that influence cancer development.
This complexity has changed how we think about care. Rather than focusing solely on the tumour, an integrative approach considers the whole person and the wider biological environment in which cancer develops and is treated.
Conventional treatment remains essential for many cancers, particularly when the priority is to reduce or eliminate tumour burden. At the same time, we can consider modifiable factors that may have contributed to or continue to influence the underlying biological environment. If relevant factors are left unaddressed, they may continue to affect metabolic health, inflammation, immune function and other processes associated with re-occurrence.
It’s time to bridge the gap—bringing the strengths of conventional oncology together with evidence-informed nutrition, lifestyle medicine and supportive therapies. The aim is not to replace cancer treatment, but to support the person alongside it, helping optimise treatment tolerance, resilience, recovery and long-term health.
Gentle, practical support for your whole self.
Support the immune system and the body’s natural recovery processes
Help calm inflammation and metabolic stress
Help with treatment tolerance — managing fatigue, nausea, and nutrient depletion
Help preserve muscle mass and strength
Support the body’s detoxification pathways
Support cellular and mitochondrial health for energy and recovery
This can work alongside your oncology team, or stand on its own as your care.
Factors I consider.
Alongside your medical care, I look at the wider picture of your overall health. These are contributing factors I explore with you — framed for education, not as causes of any illness.
The gut microbiome is an important part of the body’s wider metabolic and immune environment. Certain bacterial species and their metabolites can contribute to chronic inflammation and influence signalling pathways involved in cell proliferation, immune regulation and oncogenesis. Supporting microbial diversity, gut barrier integrity and a well-nourished microbiome is therefore a recurring theme in my approach.
A balanced, individualised approach.
Every person — and every cancer — is different. Rather than chasing a single fix, I work to keep the whole system supported and balanced, tailored to you and in step with your medical treatment.
DUTCH test
A Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones — provides insight into hormone levels, hormone metabolites and how your body is metabolising hormones. Results can help identify patterns that may be relevant to your symptoms and overall hormonal health, allowing for a more personalised approach to care. Testing is arranged through Michelle.
Vaginal microbiome test
A closer look at the diversity and balance of your vaginal bacteria, to guide targeted, gut- and terrain-supportive nutrition.
Hair tissue mineral analysis
Screening for mineral status and heavy-metals and environmental toxins, helping us understand your individual picture rather than guess. Cancer risk can be influenced by cumulative exposure to environmental toxins, including certain heavy metals and other chemical pollutants
Comprehensive microbiome testing
Advanced microbiome testing can provide valuable insights into the balance of your gut bacteria, helping to identify factors that may be influencing digestion, immunity, inflammation, metabolism, and overall health.
Testing is offered where it genuinely adds insight, and always interpreted within a consult. These tests aren't ordered online — Michelle arranges them with you directly in clinic.
Please note
This page is general information for education only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for care from your doctor or oncology team. Nutritional support is intended to complement — never replace — conventional medical treatment. Always speak with your treating team before making changes to your care. Herlistic Nutrition does not diagnose, treat or cure any disease.