Meet Toral
Nutritional Scientist and Functional Medicine Practitioner
I’m Toral Shah, a Nutritional Scientist (MSc Nutr Med), Integrative Medicine Practitioner, Researcher, Educator, and passionate advocate.
My journey into oncology and nutrition began over 25 years ago when I pursued medical school to become an oncologist. After my mother's breast cancer diagnosis, I realised my calling lay elsewhere. I completed my BSc in Cell Biology, specializing in cancer, winning a prestigious Royal Society internship studying SRC oncogenes. I later earned my MSc in Nutritional Medicine at the University of Surrey and trained as an Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioner, specialising in nutrigenomics. I'm currently completing my IFM certification.
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer three times myself, I understand firsthand the desire to modify diet and lifestyle after diagnosis. I completed my MSc thesis on factors influencing breast cancer recurrence and am deeply committed to cancer prevention and
survivorship care. I've developed integrative oncology courses supporting breast and prostate cancer patients, equipping them with practical tools for recovery and reducing recurrence risk. My clients value the science-backed, holistic support I provide for optimizing health and recovery.
My Story: From Childhood Dream to Survivor's Mission
At age 11, I vowed to cure cancer after reading about a pioneering cancer surgeon. That dream led me to medical school, aiming to become an oncologist. But when my mother faced breast cancer, I shifted focus to nutrition's power in supporting recovery and preventing recurrence
I earned my BSc in Cell Biology (cancer specialisation), won a prestigious Royal Society research internship on oncogenes, and completed my MSc in Nutritional Medicine from the University of Surrey. My thesis explored the role of diet in reducing breast cancer recurrence.
Then came my own journey: diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at 29, with local recurrences again in 2018 and 2021. These personal experiences fuelled my expertise in integrative oncology, blending evidence-informed science, lifestyle medicine, and cultural sensitivity to treat the whole person.
Today, I help clients optimise health through delicious, sustainable food and lifestyle change, specialising in cancer pre-habilitation and rehabilitation, gut and metabolic health, and reducing risk of disease and recurrence.
My Mission & Vision:
Empower cancer patients and survivors with personalised, evidence-informed nutrition and lifestyle strategies to reduce recurrence risk, enhance recovery, and thrive holistically, honouring cultural preferences and genetics
Vision: Revolutionise cancer care by bridging integrative medicine with health equity, ensuring diverse communities have access to preventive tools for better outcomes.
Core values:
Evidence-based science
Personalised care
Cultural inclusivity
Empowerment through nutrition and lifestyle
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What Sets Me Apart - As a three-time survivor and researcher, I cut through conflicting advice with tailored plans; I might recommend incorporating more cruciferous vegetables to support hormone metabolism, adding more beans and whole grains to nourish beneficial gut bacteria, and teaching practical relaxation techniques specifically designed for those with hormone-sensitive breast cancer, tailoring interventions to target the specific genetic factors most likely to influence each patient's treatment response and recovery.
I'm co-founder of South Asian Supernovas, advocating for ethnic minoritised groups in healthcare, tackling later diagnoses and poorer outcomes via diet, lifestyle, and cultural awareness.
I participate in several research groups on nutrition and lifestyle pre-habilitation and rehabilitation in breast and prostate cancer. I educate via speaking, writing, lectures, and podcasts, and am working on my first book.
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'Toral's science-backed guidance gave me an eye-opening perspective on genes, diet, and
recovery—transformative for my breast cancer journey." — J, breast cancer patient
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Ready to Optimise Your Health?
Download my Free Kickstart Cancer Recovery—research-backed nutrition and lifestyle principles to support treatment and reduce recurrence risk
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Start your personalised journey
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Qualifications
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BSc Cell Biology 2.1
MSc Nutritional Medicine (Merit)
IFM Functional Medicine - awaiting examination
Lifecode Gx Master Genomics Practitioner
Royal Society of Medicine Ambassador & member
Nutrition Society member
Le Cordon Bleu trained chef
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Positions of change & advocacy
NIHR Nutrition and Cancer Committee Member
Co-founder South Asian SuperNovas
The Health Collective with Wellbeing of Women
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Consulting and Media Work
I also work with a large portfolio of brands & press within the food, health and wellness industry from writing scientific content, speaking at health and corporate wellness events, and developing recipes and content for brands sharing my knowledge of nutrition and science. I am currently in the process of writing my first book which explores the latest science behind foods that optimise health and illustrates them with some of my favourite recipes.
Toral is part of several research groups and committees investigating nutrition and lifestyle pre-habilitation and rehabilitation post-cancer diagnoses, along with reducing risk and supporting seldomly reached groups to improve cancer outcomes.
Free Gift!
Cancer can be one of those moments that changes our lives forever. Whilst it can be scary, sometimes being able to take control can support us through treatment and beyond to recovery. This plan shares the basic nutrition and lifestyle principles that can help you to optimise your health and reduce your risk of cancer recurrence. I’ve done the research for you so you can focus on looking after yourself and your health. Download this plan for free and kickstart your cancer recovery plan!