Catherine Zabilowicz BSc (Hons) PG Cert
I have worked as the Nutrition Advisor at Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre at Charing Cross Hospital since graduating with a degree in Nutritional Therapy in 2008. I have also gained a Postgraduate Certificate in Nutritional Medicine from Surrey University. Other roles include lecturing on nutrition, working for a District Council running community and schools nutrition programmes and working for ‘The Food Doctor’ as their nutrition and cancer therapist. My interest in the influence of diet on cancer stems from my son’s diagnosis of leukaemia, and his successful treatment, 15 years ago.
My interest in the Ketogenic Diet began when I first met Emma just as she was about to launch Matthew’s Friends and I was about to start studying nutrition. The ketogenic diet was always on my radar thanks to Emma and over the years I have watched her strength and commitment to this wonderful charity with growing admiration.
When I became involved in the field of cancer, my ongoing research began to flag up emerging papers on the ketogenic diet and its potential as a cancer therapy and my interest grew further. Having several patients requesting information on the diet brought me back in touch with Emma and I was delighted when I was asked to join the team at Matthew’s Friends, to support those with cancer who are trialling ketogenic therapy. This is much needed research which I hope will lead to a greater understanding of the metabolism of cancer cells and the use of integrative treatment protocols in the future.