Ten Years On: What Cancer Taught Me About Health, Prevention, and Doing Things Differently

This month marks ten years since I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a moment that changed everything—both personally and professionally.

I’m incredibly grateful for the exceptional care I received from the cancer team in Leeds. But, if I’m honest, it wasn’t the treatment that left the deepest impression. It was the experience leading up to the diagnosis.

I still remember sitting in my first GP consultation after weeks of concern. I went in to explain what I was feeling. Despite being a doctor myself, I was advised not to self-diagnose. I left that room feeling dismissed and subtly reassured in a way that didn’t sit right. The only reason I was offered an ultrasound was out of professional courtesy.

That scan revealed the cancer.

That experience shook me. It made me question a lot—not just about my own health, but about the system I was working within. Why do we discourage people from engaging with their health early? Why do we label people the “worried well” instead of celebrating their awareness? Why do we wait until symptoms are undeniable before acting?

While no amount of information would have stopped my cancer from developing, having the knowledge—and listening to my gut—helped me catch it early. And that made all the difference.

Over the following years, through my leadership work across the NHS and national healthcare services, I saw this pattern again and again. We wait. We reassure. We react to crisis—but we rarely empower people with the tools to stay well. We do a lot of good. But not nearly enough, not quickly enough, and too often not focused on the right things.

That’s why I chose to do things differently.

I left the conventional system to create something better: a more proactive, personalised approach to health. One that helps people understand their bodies, track meaningful health markers, and make confident, informed decisions before symptoms appear. One that focuses not just on extending life—but on improving the quality of that life.

Because your health isn’t something to fix when it breaks. It’s your foundation. Your energy, resilience, clarity, longevity—it all depends on how well you care for your body and mind over time.

And the truth is, so many chronic diseases of ageing—cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, certain cancers—can be prevented or delayed with the right support and early action.

So what can you do now?

Here are the key things I recommend to every client to reduce the risk of chronic illness, feel better for longer, and protect their future health:

1. Know your numbers—track what matters

• Get regular blood work that goes beyond the basics. This includes:
  

• Inflammation markers (CRP, homocysteine)

• Insulin sensitivity (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR)

• Hormonal balance

• Thyroid function

• Omega-3 index

• Liver and kidney function

• Vitamin D, B12, magnesium, iron

• Functional tests: body composition, grip strength, VO2 max, biological age testing

Knowledge isn’t power unless you act on it. But first, you have to have the knowledge.

2. Optimise metabolic health

Poor metabolic health underpins most chronic diseases. Aim to:

• Maintain a healthy waist circumference and body fat %

• Keep blood sugar and insulin levels stable

• Prioritise muscle strength and lean mass

• Minimise ultra-processed foods and refined carbs

• Embrace time-restricted eating or intermittent fasting if appropriate

3. Move with purpose

Exercise is medicine—literally.

• Strength train 2–3x a week to preserve muscle and bone

• Include cardio (zone 2 training and occasional HIIT)

• Walk daily—movement is non-negotiable for longevity

• Maintain mobility and flexibility as you age

4. Support your mind as well as your body

Chronic stress, poor sleep, and emotional disconnection all increase disease risk.

• Aim for 7–9 hours of restorative sleep

• Learn how to switch off your stress response (breathwork, meditation, nature, journaling)

• Build strong, meaningful relationships

• Don’t ignore your mental health—it’s as vital as your physical health

5. Be proactive, not reactive

• Don’t wait for a diagnosis. Trust your instincts and take concerns seriously.

• Partner with a doctor who listens, who tests early, and who works with you.

• Think of your health like an investment—not something you spend only when it breaks, but something you build over time.

The Bottom Line

We need a fundamental shift in how we think about healthcare. One that doesn’t wait until things go wrong. One that gives people the confidence and tools to take ownership of their health—before it’s too late.

You don’t have to wait for something to be wrong.

You can start now.

Your health is your greatest asset. Let’s protect it, nurture it, and help it thrive—together.

Because great health isn’t something we should wait to fix—it’s something we should build.

Want to take control of your health?

Explore how I work with clients to measure biological age, optimise longevity, and support meaningful, lasting health.