Annabel Croft believes her late husband, Mel Coleman, might have lived longer if he had made some changes to his diet during his battle with cancer. The former tennis star lost Mel to cancer in May 2023, just 16 weeks after his diagnosis. He experienced complications, notably sepsis from a tumor perforation.
Through her participation in Strictly Come Dancing, Annabel found a way to cope with her grief, supported by her dance partner, Johannes Radebe. Annabel and Mel’s journey together began in 1987 when he taught her sailing for a TV show, and they married in 1993, raising three children.
Reflecting on Mel’s health decline, Annabel now feels that his diet might have reduced his life expectancy. “People don’t realize he had stage four cancer," she shared on The Mid Point podcast. "It started with colon cancer and spread quickly.”
Mel’s situation became critical when they took a trip to Portugal, hoping for some sun and relief from treatments. Unfortunately, the flight may have exacerbated his condition. It wasn’t the cancer itself that ultimately led to his death, but complications from a ruptured tumor that caused sepsis.
Posthumously, Annabel learned more about cancer treatment from Dr. Isabelle Cooper, a specialist who treated Mel. She emphasized the importance of diet during cancer treatment. “I’ve learned that you must avoid sugar completely—as well as carbohydrates—if you have cancer,” she said.
Despite this knowledge, Annabel highlighted a troubling issue: many doctors lack training in nutritional guidance for cancer patients. Mel had once asked his surgeon what he should eat during his treatment. The surgeon admitted he did not have dietary expertise and suggested chocolate as a treat, advice Annabel now views as misguided.
Recent studies, including findings from the American Cancer Society, suggest diet can indeed influence cancer progression and recovery. They show that excessive sugar can fuel cancer growth. Many cancer patients and survivors are turning to more nutrition-focused approaches in their treatment plans, seeking guidance on diets like ketogenic therapy, which emphasizes low carbohydrates and high fats.
Mel had tried this ketogenic metabolic therapy, which showed promising results with his cancer cells shrinking prior to his death. “It’s tragic that he died of sepsis, especially when the treatments were showing progress,” Annabel reflected. Mel held onto hope, believing in the methods they were trying.
This journey highlights the importance of nutritional awareness in cancer treatment. More public discussions and education could ultimately benefit those facing similar battles, perhaps extending lives through simple dietary changes.
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