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He Said No to Chemo at 26—Here’s What Happened: An Interview with Chris Wark

In this episode Ali interviews Chris Wark, a 21-year cancer survivor, patient advocate, and bestselling author (Chris Beat Cancer, Beat Cancer Kitchen, Beat Cancer Daily), and creator of the Square One Cancer Coaching Program.

What we cover

  • Chris’s stage III colon cancer diagnosis at 26 and why he questioned the default treatment path

  • The hospital “food moment” that sparked his nutrition overhaul

  • Practical screening PSA: colonoscopies and early detection

  • Decoding medical language (what “effective” often really means)

  • Building a holistic healing stack: diet, movement, detox, stress reduction

  • The spiritual work: forgiveness, gratitude, and taking every thought captive

  • Identity over willpower: why lasting change starts inside

  • A faith-centered approach to health 

Key takeaways

  • Prevention matters: If you’re 45+, talk to your doctor about colonoscopy screening—earlier with family history.

  • Food is a lever: Shift toward plants (think: salads, beans, crucifers, herbs/spices, veggie juices) to “overdose on nutrition.”

  • Words matter: Ask your oncologist clear questions (e.g., “Will this treatment cure me?”).

  • Environment over willpower: Set up your kitchen and calendar to make the right choice the easy choice.

  • Forgiveness frees you: Letting go releases stress, lifts your immune system, and restores joy.

  • Faith + action: Embodiment = living what you believe—in daily choices, not just beliefs.

Quotables

  • “Both roads are scary. Choose the one that aligns with your values.”

  • “Forgiveness isn’t a feeling; it’s a decision that frees you.”

  • “You don’t need to be perfect—just eat more of what God made.”

Resources mentioned

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:10 Meet Chris Wark: Cancer Survivor and Advocate

00:21 Chris's Cancer Diagnosis and Initial Treatment

02:10 The Importance of Colonoscopies

04:07 The Shock of a Cancer Diagnosis

04:57 Understanding Cancer Treatments and Their Risks

11:15 The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Recovery

20:19 Chris's Journey to a Plant-Based Diet

25:32 Family Support and Alternative Therapies

30:32 Empowering Choices for Health and Wellness

33:37 The Benefits of Exercise 34:38 The Importance of Patient Advocacy

35:26 The Chronic Disease Epidemic

37:15 The Impact of Diet on Health

46:17 The Role of Spiritual and Emotional Health

51:27 The Power of Forgiveness

01:04:50 Resources for Cancer Patients