Facing My Second Cancer Diagnosis: What I’ve Learned About What We’re Really Putting In Our Bodies

Since receiving my second cancer diagnosis in just six years, my world has shifted once again. It’s not just the fear or the grief that comes with the word cancer—it’s the awakening that follows. This diagnosis has forced me, and honestly challenged me, to take a brutally honest look at my lifestyle, especially my diet and the substances I allow into my body. And what I’ve uncovered has left me both shocked and terrified.

I began digging into ingredients—not just in my food, but in my skincare, cosmetics, cleaning products, and even what I thought were “healthy” snacks for my kids. I started paying attention to things I had never questioned before: synthetic dyes, preservatives, hormone disruptors, and chemicals I couldn’t pronounce. And what I found? It was overwhelming. So many of the products we trust, the brands we love, are loaded with things that have no place in our bodies or our homes—especially when you’re fighting for your health.

This journey has lit a fire in me—a deep desire to be more intentional about what I consume and what I expose my family to. I’m not claiming perfection. I’m still learning every single day. But if cancer has taught me anything, it’s that prevention matters. Awareness matters. And what we put on and in our bodies absolutely matters.

This isn’t about fearmongering. It’s about waking up. It’s about reading labels. It’s about asking better questions and doing better—for ourselves and for the people we love

Where I Started – And Where You Can, Too

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I get it. I was too. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to change everything overnight. You just have to start. Small steps lead to big shifts. So if you’re on a similar path—whether you’re facing a diagnosis, healing from one, or simply trying to live more intentionally—here are a few ways to begin:

1. Start Reading Labels

This was my wake-up call. Take five extra seconds at the store to turn that package over. Look for hidden ingredients like:

Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1 (synthetic dyes linked to behavioral issues and potential carcinogenic effects)
Parabens and phthalates (common in personal care products and known endocrine disruptors)
Fragrance/parfum (a single word that can contain hundreds of chemicals)
High-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils

If you don’t know what something is—look it up. Knowledge is power.

2. Ditch the Dyes

One of the first changes I made was eliminating artificial dyes from our food and household products. From cereals to kids’ snacks, to even toothpaste and lotion—those colorful additives are everywhere. There are dye-free alternatives out there, and many taste (and work) just as good, if not better.

3. Clean Up Your Cleaning Products

Our skin is our largest organ, and we absorb so much through touch and inhalation. I swapped out my old cleaning supplies for ones with simpler, non-toxic ingredients—think vinegar-based solutions, castile soap, and brands that are EWG Verified or list every ingredient transparently.

4. Reevaluate Skincare and Cosmetics

If you wear it, soak in it, or apply it to your skin, it matters. I gradually replaced my lotions, deodorants, makeup, and shampoos with safer options. Apps like Think Dirty and Yuka helped me scan and understand product safety easily.

5. Choose Whole, Real Foods

When I felt overwhelmed in the grocery store, I went back to basics: foods that don’t need a label. Fresh fruits, vegetables, organic meats, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. If it came from the earth, it’s a safe bet. The fewer ingredients, the better.

6. Progress Over Perfection

Please hear this: You don’t have to be perfect. This is not about guilt or fear—it’s about empowerment. If you eat the occasional candy with dyes or use an old shampoo you haven’t replaced yet, that’s okay. Just being aware is a huge step forward.

7. Talk to Your Doctors

Integrative medicine doctors, dietitians, or functional medicine practitioners can help you create a plan that supports healing and prevention. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself.

You Deserve to Know

The deeper I go into this journey, the more I realize that awareness is everything. We can’t control every toxin or eliminate every risk—but we can take back a sense of control, one decision at a time. If you’ve found yourself on a path like mine, please know you’re not alone. We’re in this together. And I’ll keep sharing what I learn, one clean swap at a time.