The Cancer Nutritionist

The Cancer Nutritionist BSc Nutritional Medicine, 12+ yrs clinical practice, trained with a globally recognised oncology expert. As seen on the BBC and more.

I use evidence-based function and lifestyle medicine, & nutrition to support you through every stage of cancer care.

I’m looking for 3 people affected by cancer who are feeling overwhelmed by what they should, and shouldn’t, be doing to ...
23/08/2026

I’m looking for 3 people affected by cancer who are feeling overwhelmed by what they should, and shouldn’t, be doing to support their health.

Perhaps you’ve recently been diagnosed and suddenly everyone has an opinion about what you should eat.

You’ve Googled cancer and nutrition and come away more confused than when you started.

You’ve been told to cut out sugar, go vegan, eat more protein, avoid dairy, take supplements, don’t take supplements, fast during chemotherapy, definitely don’t fast during chemotherapy.

You don’t know what is actually evidence based, what is safe for you and what is misinformation.

Perhaps you’re about to start chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy or surgery and wondering whether there is anything you can do nutritionally to prepare your body and support yourself through treatment.

Maybe you’re already going through treatment and struggling with fatigue, changes in appetite or taste, digestive symptoms, weight changes or just knowing how to nourish yourself when you don’t feel like eating.

Or perhaps treatment finished months or even years ago.

Your oncology appointments are becoming less frequent, or you’ve been discharged altogether, and instead of feeling liberated you feel strangely on your own.

Maybe you’re approaching the end of 5 or 10 years of Tamoxifen or another treatment and thinking, “What happens when this stops?”

Perhaps every scan brings scanxiety, every unexplained symptom makes you worry, and although everyone around you thinks you should be getting back to normal, you’re wondering what normal even looks like now.

Maybe nderneath all of that may be one very simple question:

What can I actually do to support my health?

This is why I offer my Cancer Nutritional Therapy Consultation.

It is a focused, personalised 1-2-1 session for people before, during or after cancer treatment, where we cut through the noise and look at you: your diagnosis, treatment, eating habits, lifestyle, symptoms, concerns and individual risk factors.

We look at what is within your control and turn that into practical, personalised and evidence based recommendations that complement, rather than replace, your medical care.

Because whether you’ve just heard the words “you have cancer”, you’re in the middle of treatment, or you’re several years beyond it, you shouldn’t have to journey through all of the conflicting information alone.

I’m looking for 3 people who would like some clarity, direction and a greater sense of control.

If that’s you, send me a private message and we can have a chat.

With warmest wishes,

Helen

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner |
AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

12/08/2026

Does sugar feed cancer?

It’s one of the questions I’m asked most often, but the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

In this video, I explain what actually happens to glucose in the body, why cancer can light up on a PET scan, and where insulin and metabolic health fit into the picture.

Most importantly, eating an apple is not the same as “feeding” a tumour.

Cancer metabolism is complex, but hopefully this makes it much easier to understand.

Does this help answer the question for you? Let me know in the comments.

I’m really blown away.After taking a short break from creating videos because clinic has been so busy, I shared a video ...
05/08/2026

I’m really blown away.

After taking a short break from creating videos because clinic has been so busy, I shared a video last night answering one simple question:

“Why do oncologists tell people with cancer to ‘eat what you like’?”

I honestly didn’t expect the response.

Overnight, hundreds of people from around the world have started following my work, many have shared their own stories, and I’ve received messages from people looking for support for themselves or a loved one.

It reminded me why I do what I do.

I’m incredibly grateful to have completed my postgraduate training in integrative oncology nutrition, graduating with merit under the guidance of Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel, one of the world’s leading integrative oncologists. Her knowledge, mentorship and clinical approach have helped shape the way I support people before, during and after cancer treatment, always working alongside their oncology team, never instead of it.

Every day I support people before, during and after cancer treatment. I work alongside oncology teams, helping people navigate the nutritional, lifestyle and symptom management challenges that often don’t get enough time in a routine hospital appointment.

Whether it’s managing treatment side effects, supporting gut health, understanding blood test results, reducing recurrence risk, or helping someone feel more in control, there is so much that can be done alongside conventional cancer care.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has placed their trust in me over the last 13 years. It is a privilege that I never take for granted.

If you know someone living with cancer, whether they’ve just been diagnosed, are having treatment, or are recovering afterwards, please feel free to share my page with them.

You never know who might need to see it today.

As all consultations are online, so I feel incredibly lucky to be able tosupport you wherever you are in the world.

With warmest wishes,
Helen.

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner | AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

Photo: Myself and Dr Nina Fuller Shavel at The May Fair Hotel in London this May, celebrating the launch of her National Centre for Integrative Oncology.

04/08/2026

Why are people with cancer often told to “eat what you like”?

The answer might surprise you.

Watch until the end.

With warmest wishes,
Helen.

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner | AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

As I sit here on Friday night reflecting on the week, I feel so grateful to do the job I love.No two clients are ever th...
31/07/2026

As I sit here on Friday night reflecting on the week, I feel so grateful to do the job I love.

No two clients are ever the same, and that’s exactly why I never stop learning.

This week has been a reminder that being a Registered Nutritional Therapist and Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner is about so much more than prescribing diets or supplements.

It’s about listening, being curious, looking beneath the surface, and helping people make informed decisions about their health.

This week alone I have

💜 Supported a client with Ulcerative Colitis, helping her navigate whether to join a clinical trial. Rather than telling her what to do, I empowered her with the evidence and the questions to ask the research team so she could make the decision that felt right for her.

💜 Continued supporting one of my clients with Multiple Sclerosis, whose longstanding gut symptoms have resolved within just a couple of weeks of beginning her personalised programme. We are now focusing on her chronic sinus issues and, rather than just accepting the first options available, I’ve recommended referral to a highly respected rhinologist because I believe that’s the most appropriate specialist for her complex presentation.

💜 Reviewed an Organic Acids Test for one of my clients with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, incorporating the findings into his updated RESPECT® Prescription. Watching both him and his wife embrace dietary and lifestyle changes together has been incredibly inspiring. They really are an unstoppable team.

💜 Supported one of my lovely Australian clients who is living with a**l cancer, discussing nutrition alongside weight loss medication, which had already been agreed with her oncology team, ensuring her nutritional intake continues to meet her individual needs.

💜 Had a 40 minute call with a dentist, who described perimenopause as feeling like she’d “fallen off a cliff” and no longer recognised herself. We talked through the likely drivers of her symptoms, the investigations that may help personalise her programme, and most importantly, I reassured her that she isn’t alone. She is signing up as a client.

Some of the nicest moments this week came from the emails that landed in my inbox.

One client, who had relied on daily antihistamines for around 30 years because of chronic urticaria (hives), has now completed her programme and no longer needs them every day. She can even enjoy a couple of glasses of alcohol without developing the hives that once affected her quality of life.

Another client with an autoimmune condition wrote to tell me she recommends me to everyone because of the difference she has experienced.

Messages like these never lose their impact.

I also continued supporting clients behind the scenes by reviewing blood tests, writing GP letters requesting further investigations and referrals, linking one client with a private gastroenterologist, while also helping facilitate an NHS referral to Papworth’s sleep clinic to investigate possible sleep apnoea that could be contributing to his symptoms.

On Wednesday evening, I stepped away from clinic to attend a fantastic business networking event hosted by World of Wine in Saffron Walden.

I met a lovely young woman who has a family member who is living with fibromyalgia. Having experienced fibromyalgia myself,when I had M.E., I completely understand how debilitating it can be, and we had a fascinating conversation about the role nutrition, lifestyle medicine and appropriate investigations can play alongside conventional care.

I also met someone whose father had prostate cancer and who is doing everything he can to reduce his own future cancer risk. Prevention is a conversation I’m incredibly passionate about.

Finally, this afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful lady, Anne, (see photo) who has invited me to speak at her Wellbeing Circle this September. I’m really looking forward to sharing more details very soon.

Looking back over the week, I’m reminded that my role isn’t just to recommend people what to eat, it’s about joining the dots, reviewing blood tests, stool tests, urine tests and functional medicine investigations., understanding why someone doesn’t feel well, working alongside GPs, consultants and other healthcare professionals, helping people ask the right questions, and creating personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes based on their story, their test results and their goals.

That’s what functional medicine means to me.

After more than 13 years in clinical practice, I still wake up excited to help people feel like themselves again.

If you’ve been told your blood tests are “normal” but you know something still isn’t right, if you’re living with a chronic health condition, if you’re navigating cancer or recovering from treatment, or if you just want someone to look at the whole picture rather than just your symptoms, I’d love to help.

I offer a free 20 minute discovery call where we can talk through your health concerns, discuss whether I’m the right person to support you, and map out the next steps.

Feel free send me a DM or visit my website to book your call.

https://helenperks.com

With warmest wishes,
Helen.

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner | AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

19/07/2026

Sometimes the best medicine isn’t found in a bottle.

It’s found in sunshine on your face, walking through beautiful gardens, breathing fresh country air, sharing nourishing food, laughing until your cheeks hurt, slowing down, and spending precious time with the people you love.

I spent the day at Middleton Lodge with my mum, surrounded by an incredible organic kitchen garden, majestic trees, beautiful wildlife, and food that celebrated fresh, seasonal ingredients.

As a registered oncology nutritional therapist, I know that health is about far more than what we eat. Nature, movement, rest, connection, joy, and moments of calm all play a part in supporting our wellbeing.

This trip was a reminder that nourishing yourself isn’t always about doing more.

Sometimes it’s just about slowing down enough to enjoy what’s already around you. ❤️

Where’s your favourite place to completely switch off?

Middleton Lodge, Richmond, North Yorkshire

09/07/2026

I’ve been keeping a little secret…

I’ve been featured across 2 pages in this week’s Bella Magazine!

If you’ve ever wondered why eating the same meal at 8am can have a completely different effect on your body than eating it at 8pm, grab yourself a copy.

It might just change the way you think about when to eat, forever, because it’s not just what you eat, it’s when you eat that matters too.

If you’re ready to take a personalised approach to your health, I’d love to help. Book a free 20 minute discovery call via my website or send me a DM to find out if we’re the right fit.

https://helenperks.com

With warmest wishes,
Helen.

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner | AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

"I don't recognise myself anymore..."Those were some of the first words this lady said to me.She is living with cancer, ...
28/06/2026

"I don't recognise myself anymore..."

Those were some of the first words this lady said to me.

She is living with cancer, exhausted, her s*x drive had disappeared, she wasn't sleeping well, she was experiencing hormonal symptoms that were affecting every part of her life.

She was also taking HRT, but despite this, she still didn't feel like herself. Most importantly, she wanted answers.

After taking a detailed case history and reviewing her medical history, I recommended a DUTCH Complete hormone test. DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones).

(Shared with my client's written permission. All identifying information has been removed.)

Unlike a blood test, this is a simple urine test carried out at home. 4 urine samples are collected onto specially designed cards over approximately 24 hours.

So why not just do a blood test? Because hormone levels only tell part of the story. I also want to understand what your body is doing with those hormones after they've been produced.

When hormones are broken down, they form substances called metabolites. Think of metabolites as footprints. They show the pathways your hormones have travelled, how efficiently your body is processing them and whether they appear to be clearing as expected.

One of the most important areas I assess is oestrogen metabolism. This is particularly relevant for women experiencing hormonal symptoms, those taking HRT, and in certain situations for women with hormone related cancers.

Research suggests that some oestrogen metabolites may be associated with greater potential for DNA damage if they are not efficiently detoxified and cleared by the body. Looking at these pathways can help us understand where nutritional and lifestyle support may be beneficial as part of a wider personalised approach.

For this client, the DUTCH test gave us valuable information that a routine blood test simply couldn't provide. Working alongside her GP, I wrote requesting a review of both the dose and timing of her HRT prescription.

Her GP agreed and made those changes.

Alongside personalised dietary advice, targeted supplementation and lifestyle recommendations, she is already noticing positive improvements.

That is exactly why I do what I do, not because a test diagnoses disease, but because it empowers women to better understand their bodies and have more informed conversations with their healthcare team.

The DUTCH test isn't one single test either. There are several types depending on what we're investigating.

These may be helpful for women experiencing:

• Perimenopause and menopause

• PMS and PMDD

• Endometriosis

• PCOS

• Fertility challenges and recurrent miscarriage through DUTCH Cycle Mapping

• Hormonal symptoms while taking HRT

• Some women with hormone related cancers as part of personalised nutritional support

Other DUTCH profiles can also assess cortisol patterns, stress hormone metabolism and melatonin, helping us understand the relationship between stress, sleep and hormone health.

I also use other functional medicine tests where appropriate, including Comprehensive Stool Analysis, Organic Acids Testing, nutrigenomics, and nutritional assessments. Every recommendation is based on a person's symptoms, medical history and clinical presentation. Not everyone needs every test.

My aim has never been to replace your GP, consultant, or oncologist, it is to work alongside them, helping you understand your body so you can make informed decisions about your health.

If you've been told your blood tests are "normal" but you still don't feel like yourself, if you're struggling with hormonal symptoms, or if you'd simply like to understand what your body is trying to tell you, I’d love to help.

I offer a FREE 20 minute telephone call where we can discuss your symptoms and whether personalised nutrition and functional testing may be appropriate for you.

You can book through my website or send me a DM.

https://helenperks.com

Helen Perks BSc Nutritional Medicine

Registered Nutritional Therapist

Institute for Functional Medicine trained

Postgraduate training with a world renowned integrative oncologist in the Systems Approach to Cancer

Over 13 years of clinical experience supporting clients throughout the UK and internationally via Zoom.

100% success rate with GP and consultant requests made via client letters to date

RESPECT® Your Future By Nourishing Today.

08/06/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about cancer fatigue is that it’s simply a lack of sleep.

Many people describe it as feeling as though the batteries have been removed altogether.

The important thing to remember is this:

Cancer fatigue is real, common, and it’s not a sign of weakness, laziness, or a lack of effort.

There can be multiple contributing factors, which is why understanding the root causes is so important.

What has been the most challenging aspect of cancer fatigue for you?

I’d love to hear your experience.

With warmest wishes,
Helen.

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner | AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

07/06/2026

Many people expect to feel relieved when treatment ends.

Instead, many cancer patients tell me they feel anxious, frightened, isolated, and worried about recurrence.

This part of the journey is rarely talked about enough.

If you've finished treatment, what was the biggest surprise for you emotionally?

Let me know in the comments.

With warmest wishes,
Helen.

Helen Perks BSc
The Cancer Nutritionist

BSc Nutritional Medicine | Registered Nutritional Therapist
mBANT | rCNHC | Functional & Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner | AFMCP Graduate
Systems Approach to Cancer (SATC)

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.helenperks.com
🍲 Nourishing Soups by The Cancer Nutritionist

RESPECT® Your Future by Nourishing Today

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