About Us

Researchers at the Cancer Prevention and Control Program of the Moores UCSD Cancer Center have been conducting studies investigating the diet-cancer link since 1993. Because our research focuses on food and not supplements, it was essential to develop strategies to help individuals change their eating habits. Using an innovative telephone counseling program initially developed by John P. Pierce, PhD, our counseling team has been able to help individuals successfully adopt and maintain a healthy eating pattern.

The UCSD Healthy Eating Program evolved from the dietary change program used in the Women’s Healthy Eating & Living (WHEL) Study, the largest Clinical Trial studying the effect of diet on recurrence from breast cancer. With funding from the American Cancer Society and the Avon Foundation, our group successfully adapted the WHEL Study dietary counseling program for the general public.

Our counseling staff has an average of 8 years of experience in helping people to successfully adopt and maintain healthy eating habits. All counseling staff are university educated with degrees and/or experience in nutrition and counseling, and they are supervised by Vicky Newman, MS, RD, Associate Clinical Professor in the UCSD Department of Family & Preventive Medicine.

The Healing Foods Classes we offer evolved from the cooking classes created for the WHEL Study by Vicky Newman, MS, RD, with creative input from Susan Faerber, WHEL Study Project Director. These classes are now being offered several times each month at the Healing Foods Kitchen of the Moores UCSD Cancer Center. Class themes and recipes change monthly.