Positive message from leading nutritionist

A high-profile nutritionist who is continuing to fight breast cancer has urged people to attend the wellness event of the year.

Toral Shah, who is the founder of the nutrition and food consultant The Urban Kitchen, was only 29 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

Despite being in remission for 12 years, the cancer returned last year and after having a lumpectomy, she remains as positive as ever to win her battle.

The 42-year-old from London, who has a BSc in Cell Biology from University College London and an MSc in Nutritional Medicine from the University of Surrey, will talk about her experiences and research at the Being Well Festival at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

The one-day showcase aims to promote happier, healthier lives by educating people about their health and general wellness on Thursday, October 24.

Toral said: “From an early age, I have always been interested in science and health, and when I was 11, I read a book about cancer.

“I went to medical school but when my own mother was having chemotherapy after a breast cancer diagnosis, I realised that a career as an oncologist was not for me. I helped to care for her and wondered why the medical team were not looking at nutrition and lifestyle for prevention. Thankfully she has been all-clear now for 20 years.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 29. I was doing my Masters degree at the time but I managed to finish it and also complete the London Triathlon Olympic distance since I had been training hard and refused to give up on my dreams of completing it.

“Last year, my old scar didn’t feel right and I had an MRI scan which found a very tiny lump. I have had a lumpectomy and have started hormone treatment again.

“My thesis for my MSc was on how nutrition and lifestyle can prevent a recurrence which is a subject that has always interested me and I will be discussing this in Coventry.”

Toral said she thinks the idea to create a health and wellbeing event is a fantastic idea.

“The more we can educate the public and health professionals, the more we can share the pool of our resources and knowledge,” she said.

“Events like this will help people to have an earlier diagnosis and make positive lifestyle changes to help prevent all forms of cancer.”

The Being Well event will give visitors the opportunity to shop at a ‘wellbeing marketplace’, take part in activities and taster sessions, receive one-to-one advice on health and wellbeing and attend a special ticketed lunch.

Breast Cancer Haven, which will benefit from funds raised throughout the day, operates from locations across the UK and provides emotional, physical and practical support for anyone affected by breast cancer including one-to-one therapy and counselling for family and friends.

The event is free but visitors will need to book tickets to attend by going to www.beingwellfestival.co.uk or www.beingwellfestival2019.eventbrite.co.uk

Visit beingwellfestival.co.uk to find out more.