'I'm a cancer dietician – there's 5 mistakes people make after being diagnosed'

A cancer dietitian has shared five common mistakes she'd found that people often make after first getting a cancer diagnosis . Nicole Andrews is a registered dietitian who specialises in cancer patients and how using food and nutrition can help them take back control. She first began her nutrition path after realising the large amount of misinforming cancer nutrition advice that cancer patients often fall victim for.

Known as The Oncology Dietitian on social media, Nicole has gained a following of over 366,000 followers on Instagram where she posts her evidence-proven tips and tricks on how food can help cancer survivors feel better by changing the way they look at food. In a post shared on 16 April, Nicole shared the five most common mistakes people make after getting diagnosed with cancer, before sharing alternative methods you should focus on instead. "The five biggest mistakes cancer survivors make after diagnosis," she wrote at the start of her post before jumping into her list.



"After a diagnosis, everyone suddenly becomes an expert - your neighbour, your aunt's friend, or someone on TikTok," she explained. She went on to say: "Survivors are often overloaded with conflicting advice that leads to confusion, fear, and decision paralysis. Not every opinion deserves your energy, especially when it isn't rooted in real, evidence-based guidance.

" Moving on to food and diet, Nicole said that one of the biggest mistake a person with a cancer diagnosis can do is cut out carbs from their diet. She explained: "Carbs are often demonised in cancer spaces, but here's the truth; your body needs them to heal, function, and fight fatigue." Along with proteins and fats, carbohydrates are one of three main nutrients found in foods and drinks.

Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the main source of energy for your body's cells, tissues, and organs. Underlining the importance of carbs, Nicole wrote: "Survivors who fear carbs can end up undernourished, foggy, and exhausted - all while believing they're doing the 'right' thing.

This kind of restriction creates more harm than good." "Supplements can feel like the easy fix - take this, and you'll be safe. But more isn't always better," Nicole said.

"Over-supplementation can lead to imbalances, wasted money, and even interfere with medications or treatments. "Whole foods have a synergy that no pill can replicate - but that's often overlooked in the rush to 'boost immunity'." According to the NHS , it's recommended to talk to a doctor or dietitian before adding a supplement to your diet, as they could interfere with your medications, or you might just not need it.

"Yes, rest is essential during treatment - but prolonged rest after treatment can make fatigue worse," Nicole said. She went on to explain: "Survivors are often told to 'take it easy,' but movement (done right) is one of the most powerful tools for rebuilding strength, improving mood, and getting energy back. The key is knowing how to do it safely and sustainably.

" According to Cancer Research UK , it is safe to be active during cancer treatment and after. They also report that people with cancer should try to be active and get back to their normal activities as soon as possible. Movement and exercising has also been linked to an improved quality of life while also helping to prevent certain types of cancers.

For her final point, Nicole warned against getting expensive gadgets, filters, or other wellness tools as they often don't work as well as people might claim. Nicole explained: “From high-end juicers to ‘healing’ water filters to detox machines - survivors are constantly sold the idea that these tools will keep cancer away. These purchases come from a place of fear and the desire for control, but they often lead to unnecessary financial and emotional stress, without improving health outcomes.

" At the end, Nicole urged cancer survivors to focus on things and methods that have been proven to work to make people feel better, so that you can live your best life without wasting your energy on useless things..