103-Year-Old Runner’s Diet Claim

A 103-year-old marathon runner asserts that he has managed to stop the spread of his cancer through a complete dietary change.

Mike Fremont, hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, defied medical advice by rejecting conventional treatments after being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at the age of 69.

Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic warned him that without chemotherapy and surgery, the cancer was likely to take his life within three months.

At that point, the disease had already spread to his lymph nodes—a stage where it remains treatable, but poses a significant risk of becoming fatal.

Normally, medical professionals aim to shrink tumors with medication to facilitate surgical removal.

However, Fremont chose instead to adopt a strict vegan diet focused on whole foods. His meals included sweet and white potatoes (without oil), tofu, leafy greens, legumes, vegetables, fruit, and non-dairy milk.

He claims this plant-based lifestyle cured his metastatic cancer. Two years later, after undergoing surgery to remove the tumor, he believes he has remained cancer-free since then.

Nonetheless, medical experts continue to express doubts, emphasizing that even the healthiest vegan diet shouldn’t replace actual medical treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

They argue that while a nutritious diet can support cancer treatment, it can’t replace it. Experts have noted a troubling increase in patients opting for alternative treatments.

A recent study indicated that 70 percent of cancer patients use alternative medicine; notably, a third rely on it solely, and 27 percent do so without informing their oncologists.

Dr. Heber stated, “A nutritious diet should be used along with proper treatments in cancer patients, but diet alone absolutely cannot cure cancer.”

With treatments, about 75 percent of colorectal cancer patients live for five years post-diagnosis. Without treatment, however, survival rates plummet to merely 44 percent after three years, highlighting the necessity of medical intervention.

Fremont, a former Yale University wrestler, took up running in the 70s while coping with his wife’s passing. His marathon journey began with the Boston Marathon in 1972.

It was quite a shock when he discovered his cancer diagnosis in 1991.

He recounted, “I was told by the Cleveland Clinic that I had cancer and would die in three months unless I underwent surgery.” His response was a firm refusal, choosing instead to focus on his diet.

He described how the cancer had spread to his lymphatic system and would have needed radiation or chemotherapy to address the metastases.

After two years, he had surgery to remove the bleeding tumor from his colon.

After this procedure, doctors checked for any signs of cancer spread in 35 areas around Fremont and found none.

He attributes his remarkable health and longevity to his lifestyle choices rather than genetics, noting his parents’ health issues—a father who died of liver cancer and a mother who suffered a heart attack.

He remarked, “The results of the diet have been perfect, and all my world records came post-diet.”

And it seems he has no intention of slowing down.

Fremont shared that his running route spans five miles through a scenic park near Cincinnati, featuring a mix of surfaces and hills. He aims to run the first mile at maximum speed and the remaining four at a fast pace.

He even adjusted his routine at age 98, opting for five-mile runs instead of ten, focusing on speed.

He’s maintained a disciplined fitness regime, running five miles three times a week and including push-ups and pull-ups.

His daily diet kicks off with oatmeal, syrup, and blueberries for breakfast. Lunch consists of beans, and dinner features broccoli topped with ketchup.

Fremont also enjoys a low-stress lifestyle, using exercise as a release. He stays away from alcohol and tobacco.

His approach to healthy living is believed to help reduce the risk of cancer reoccurrence.

Research indicates that structured exercise programs for stage II and III colon cancer patients can lead to a 28 percent reduction in recurrence and lower mortality risk by 37 percent over eight years, benefiting those who engage in just 1.5 to 2.25 hours of brisk walking weekly.

Consuming whole, unprocessed plant foods is thought to enhance nutrient intake and reduce inflammation, a key factor in cancer development.

While these dietary choices can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and cholesterol levels, and managing blood sugar, the belief that diet alone can reverse cancer remains unproven.