I was diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical cancer in September 2025, and my first action was to support myself with nutrition and holistic remedies.

I'd postponed chemo and radiotherapy for three months to get my body into its optimal state — to receive treatment well, minimise the side effects, and preserve my mental and physical energy.

The doctor who changed how I saw fat

During my research, I came across Dr Pete Sulak, a prominent functional-medicine practitioner who leads with a holistic approach to building a healthy terrain within the body — helping stop the development of diseases such as cancer and chronic illness. He specifically shares the benefits of high-quality extra virgin olive oil as a staple fat, because of its anti-inflammatory, cell-protective profile, alongside conventional treatment.

I chose an early-harvest, high-polyphenol version because it's essentially the concentrated form of what doctors like Pete are pointing to.

Early harvesting means the olives are picked young and green, right at the start of the season, instead of being left to ripen for maximum yield. Most commercial extra virgin olive oil is milder because it's made from olives picked later — riper olives, often blended for volume and taste. You still get healthy fats, but far fewer of those protective plant compounds. Early harvest is the concentrated, medicinal end of the spectrum, and perfect to help support healing.

Finding Oliiv

This is where I came across Oliiv, a local brand that carried exactly the profile of oil I was looking for. Intuitively, I knew it would benefit me throughout my healing journey — I just wasn't sure yet how I'd experience it.

I began taking Oliiv after my diagnosis and before treatment commenced, alongside an anti-inflammatory keto diet. It was my second time having cancer; the last time, keto lowered inflammation and shrank the tumours before surgery, helping me avoid conventional treatment. This time was different — and I needed more support than I thought.

The first batch of Oliiv was strong and peppery, with a rich, mossy colour and a delicious taste — something to savour. Two months on from chemo and radiotherapy, my immune system felt low and my gut had clearly been impacted. The second batch arrived a little less peppery, which suited where I was; given the locality of radiotherapy, the organs around the cervix and womb were likely affected, so it was imperative I supported the liver and a digestion that's still recovering.

Healing my gut, gently

Oliiv is helping me as a gentle prebiotic. Its polyphenols encourage the growth of beneficial microbes such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which produce short-chain fatty acids that soothe and nourish the gut lining. It has calmed and strengthened the gut wall, reducing the stress and irritation in the intestines left by medication, inflammation and the effects of radiotherapy.

The added benefit is that it has helped regulate my blood sugar — fewer cravings for carbs and sweet treats — all of which helps rebuild a healthy terrain within the body.