Dr. Sarah Hallberg: A personal journey through cancer | The Peter Attia Drive Podcast

This clip is from The Drive podcast 162, originally released on May 17, 2021.
You can watch the full interview here: bit.ly/3tXKXfq
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About:
The Peter Attia Drive is a weekly, ultra-deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing health, longevity, critical thinking…and a few other things. With over 30 million episodes downloaded, it features topics including fasting, ketosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more.
Peter is a physician focusing on the applied science of longevity. His practice deals extensively with nutritional interventions, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, emotional and mental health, and pharmacology to increase lifespan (delay the onset of chronic disease), while simultaneously improving healthspan (quality of life).
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[@karenjohnson2068]

My heart is breaking right now, knowing that Sarah Hallberg has lost her battle with cancer. I first watched this video in May 2021 and was moved by it then. This evening I watched it again, in honor of Dr. Hallberg. My heart goes out to her family and also her colleagues. The world has lost a treasure. Via con Dios Sarah. The world will miss you.

[@jessiel7694]

I’m so sad to hear Dr. Hallberg has passed away. She was such an beautiful, amazing person.

[@toquasin]

She passed today, 3/29/22. She was a hero. She chose to live for her kids. Life ain't fair.

[@dougalbert9831]

Rest in peace, Dr. Hallberg.

[@smadm2437]

So true. I can't help but feel the same when I hear of such early deaths. So unfair. Goes to show we can't predict much in this life 😥 She won't be forgotten ❤

[@billlawrence123]

So tragic. We need that date remembered to honor her memory. ♥️ 3/29/2022. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️ for family

[@missiris1234]

RIP Doctor Sarah. Gone to soon. Praying for your children and husband and extended family

[@missiris1234]

Sarah passed 10 months after this video. I also lost a friend to this terrible disease

[@shelly2758]

RIP Sarah. 🙏 You did good, rest well. You’ve set us up for success. We all should follow her example of a mom, wife, friend, and health advocate.

[@krisb7076]

It was so amazing of her to share her story. So honest and so clear. Such a great communicator. Lost way too soon.

[@juliemell2959]

This breaks my heart today 💔

[@ilenem7697]

What an incredible woman, what an incredible loss for everyone. So brave & strong & vulnerable May she rest in peace ♥️

[@gazels11]

One of the best interviews I've ever seen. Amazing. The lack of patient advocacy in medicine is despicable.

[@diabeteshopechannel1613]

A very sad moment for me who has learnt so much from her and she inspired me to reach out to my community in Kenya using the knowledge i learnt from her. Goodbye hero sarah and fly away with the angels. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide.

[@mikerayco]

This is heartbreaking, I hope Dr. Hallberg's family is able to cope with her loss. RIP Dr. Sarah Hallberg.

[@andres-gu8yu]

Her kids must be SO proud of her, she touched so many lives changing them for the better all across the world... Her legacy will continue for many years to come. Sarah is a star.⭐

[@lindawilson8318]

What a privilege to listen to your story and share this time

[@milomilano7679]

I am so grateful for this interview. No words really capture its value to me.

[@IndyRickHikes]

Over four years free from T2D and metabolic syndrome. You are among a very small handful of doctors who have given me the tools to self-recover. . You have changed my life. We have never met. Your information was health equity for me. Thank you Dr. Sarah.🙏

[@lindalentz5093]

What a wonderful person. Prayers for her family and all who love her. Rest with God.

[@guillermo5089]

I wish I could like this more than once. Incredible

[@lindamcneil711]

Having met her a few times and following her career, my heart was crushed when I heard about her diagnosis. So glad she chose life as long as she could. Her fight was more than admirable and how many people helped while she was ill. The extra time she was able to give her children.

[@Albatrossgirl]

That was an absolutely incredible interview. The openness of Dr Hallberg and the sensitivity of Peter Attiah is something that will stay with me for a very long time. Thank you Sarah for your bravery and teaching us a lot about your experiences and I wish you strength, health and love.

[@jennifershort1898]

This touched me so much. Thank you, Sarah. And Peter.

[@elzbietagreene9645]

Yes ❤️

[@joannegibson-lucas3791]

An amazing woman in every way. It is devastating to lose her.

[@ac_house]

I'm very grateful for this interview. I had a mentor diagnosed with lung cancer. She went into remission for about 5 years but eventually passed a few years ago at age 44.. She was the same profile-- never-smoker, lean, young, healthy. Her whole practice was treating cancer patients. We were all shocked. One day she had a cough and it just kept getting worse. I turned out she had a genetic factor. Shocking.

She helped so many patients that she will be the happiest person in the heaven 💗 Such a perfect example for all other doctors what they can do for the mankind 🙏🏽

[@greatjuankenobi217]

I am saddened to learn this!!! 😢 What a hero she is and was!! Her legacy will live on. Her TED video was one of the ones that flipped the switch for me and my diabetes reversal journey. God Bless her!

[@ernieyribe970]

🙁 Dr. Attia, Thank you for being so courageous enough to have this conversation with one of my hero's in life, Dr. Sarah Hallberg. I think we all know either family members or friends who have or had diabetes and or cancer of one form or the other. I have friends who have diabetes and a family member whose cancer returned and this time from breast to her bones. I work in clinical research and know all too well, that we still do not have all the answers. I also agree with one of your prior admissions that we need to look at the root of the problem, to look at the cause and effect and realize that we should all be asking if what we thought we knew or have known about various diseases was all wrong (from your TedTalk). Before I happened on your own podcast and your TedTalk, I knew there were alternatives and the reason I shared every talk that Dr. Hallberg ever gave. I believed in her research and reasons why we needed to see that there were differences in treatments that I immediately knew she would continue to fight the establishment to help people learn the truth. I too feel we can't just blame people with their diseases, because even people who seemingly are in the best of health come down with these devastating diseases. Sarah has passed away and before I was aware of her passing, I had been documenting many of her insightful talks about diabetes. I was sharing her talks with everyone I could on social media, emails and directly to many family and friends, so people could see that there were alternatives. I received an invite to her prior company's new webinar on reversing diabetes. I jumped at this opportunity and started to tell others again.... then I researched her new company Virta Health, to learn more about "Reversing Diabetes with food", when I realized she had passed away. Just like her 14 year old, he too wanted his Mom, Sarah to continue helping others and not simply retire. He was right, she had lots more to share and we are so saddened to learn that her life was cut short. I also love the fact that she was still advocating for others even when she knew she had little time left. Thank you Dr. Attia for sharing Dr. Hallberg and compassionately as you did. Thank you Dr. Sarah Hallberg for making it easier for others to look at alternatives to living better and healthier lives!

[@yourenough3]

What a kind beautiful soul. RIP , thanks for all you have done in your accomplished life . Prayers to her family.

[@suzettemistretta2926]

Heartbreaking ...what an amazing human being...caring for others no matter ❤️

[@Test-eb9bj]

I am at a loss for words, what a journey. To face and take up this devastating situation. She is incredible! I hope that she reaches her goal.

[@thedesertexplorer8337]

Absolutely heartbreaking! after watching Sarah's TED about reversing type 2 Diabetes and switching to see more of her videos, landed on this one with the shock about her cancer! I strongly now believe that each soul has a path and purpose, you Sarah met this purpose by changing the lives of many 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@brillianttec3504]

Brave and courageous woman. We will miss you.

[@kajsadanielsson-personalaf1559]

You´re such a warrior Sarah! I wish you to get your 11 years and that by then science has moved on and also into the actual health care!

[@melmack2003]

What a warrior.....thank you.

[@carriesilvinaespinozavilla5177]

My prayers are with your children, dear Sarah. Today is Dec 24, 2022 and I am in Mexico studying metabolic disfunction. Your initial TedTalk video inspired me to handle my cancer through surgery and keto. I had my lumpectomy March 14, 2022 and came to Mexico to recover and continue studying metabolic disfunction on the day of your passing. Your gift to the world is knowledge. Even with your particular cancer you inspire me, as my grandfather had the same lung cancer that spread to the brain. Like you said you live for your kids. I understand because I too live for my kids. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your candor and sharing your very personal pain for your children with Dr. Attia and all those who will hear and see the legacy of courage you have gifted. May your children grow and later in their lives continue to understand everything you have accomplished and share your life with your grandchildren to come.

[@ZinebAsri]

Were do you study metabolic dysfunction? And are there any resources you would recommend I'minsterested? Thank you so much.

[@ZinebAsri]

I hope you're doing better ❤

[@t1n670]

Amazing conversation, really inspiring story

[@justtired123]

What a lovely woman. I had never heard of her before but what a legacy she has left. Thank you for letting her speak candidly and being such a good listener Dr Attia.

[@jaymumford5749]

Dr. Sarah Hallberg = Angel

[@osteopathichomeopathicking6154]

Sarah has extended my life by helping me avoid the useless treatments for type 2 diabetes, and to avoid it alltogether. It hasn't stopped doctors from denigrating me, bullying me, and misdiagnosing me. I know now it won't ever end. Sarah was a godsend. So sad to see her go.

[@MsJoChannel]

fingers crossed for 11 years! Thanks for an insightful and inspirational interview :)

[@Sophal27]

Thank you Sarah for helping people getting healthier. You and other people in the low carb community put me in the right path to reverse my metabolic syndrome, it has changed my life for the better.

[@andrewmashigo6264]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Your legacy carries on...RIP Dr Hallberg. Andrew

[@craigthomas8198]

wow. this was really powerful, but also such a wonderful presentation of where healthcare and humanity intersect. Thank you both for this.

[@catholiccat8489]

No words 💔💔💔rest in peace dear .. and thank you for caring about people like me ..

[@jenbaseball7611]

This was such a powerful conversation. Thank you both for being willing to be real, genuine, and present. I have come across your work within the last 6 months and it has changed my life. Fasting and ketogenic eating has helped me be the healthiest I have been in many years. Thank you so much! What a beautiful legacy Dr. Hallberg is leaving.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I have been a fan of Sarah and the Virta team for a long time. This news was shocking. She and the Virta team should be nominated for a Nobel Prize in medicine.

[@richstwart2079]

I'm very crushed on hearing this news, she is a great inspiration on how to deal with my T2D, she is the one who got me started and I owe a great deal of gratitude for that. I certainly hope she gets well, she's a wonderful and caring doctor, and mostly a human being...godspeed Sarah

[@iss8504]

Sarah, godspeed. 3-28-2022

[@tiffanyschneiderraff1670]

Wow, I cried pretty much the whole show. 😭

[@Soccer834]

This interview brought me to tears 😢. Hard to understand life. Not fair 🙏

[@lindaguerra638]

Heartbreaking. Truly. I’m so sorry for her sweet children. I lost my sister when she was 65 and had just retired. The system, there was not one for her. At a certain point they just said, there’s nothing else. I think there was nothing else she could afford or that insurance would cover, is my best guess. Dr. Sarah, was so helpful to so many of us. I will truly miss her! 💔💗

[@jennylinden3226]

Just watching for the first time and she is amazing I am in awe so sad she lost the battle

[@diabeteshopechannel1613]

Sarah, be strong. Love and prayers from kenya. You have taught me so much about diabetes reversal. My prayers are with you and i believe you will make it above your 11 years mark. Hold on to faith not just for the sake of your children but all of us who believe in your contribution to humanity. God's healing grace be upon you now and always.

[@deezer161]

Thankyou both for your bravery honesty and all you have done and do and your legacy.

[@tclmac1]

Oh, this is just too hard to watch. How is dr. Hallberg so brave discussing this with such grace. She is my forever hero.

[@dottie269]

RIP Sarah. My condolences to your family. You leave an amazing legacy and you have saved more people than you know from metabolic disease, myself included. I never had the pleasure to meet you, but you changed my life. At 53 years old, I have dramatically improved my health thanks to your videos. I still can’t stop the tears. We lost an amazing human being way too soon.

[@emmanuelking9988]

Agree 🙏😔

[@ActivateMission2ThisTimeline]

Seed0ilsAreLinkedToCancer.In1900theseOilsWere1%ofOurDiet.NowTheyAre20%.TheyAreHighlyToxicAnd Carcenergenic.

[@tantridewina3048]

How old was she??

[@cmeyerowitz]

Like many others here who have written, I am totally stunned to hear the news about Sarah's fight and ultimate passing. I remember so clearly watching her Ted talk and as a physician being blown away. When I found out she had joined the Virta team, I enrolled with them. Her incredible fight through her cancer is something I have never seen. I only have one haunting thought after watching this interview. I don't understand the thoracic surgeon's decision to not do a lobectomy based on sampling mediastinal nodes and finding neoplasm. The fact was she had metastisized to her brain at presentation so that finding positive nodes did not negate her desire to diminish as much tumor burden as she could to avoid mutations. Really would like a response, Dr Attia as to your feelings about this.

[@salliev2264]

What an amazing interview. Sarah, you are an inspiration in so many ways. Keep persevering.

[@rolandovelasquez135]

Thank you so much Sara. And thanks for trying to bring out the subject of health equity. I am an American living in Spain. 27 years. Married. Two kids. My wife, my daughter and I have all received extensive and serious medical treatments. We've never paid one out of pocket red cent for any treatment. And the Spanish medical system is one of the best. And we don't have or need medical insurance because here we have social medicine. It just plain old works. 👍🏼 By the way. You look great.

[@iss8504]

You pay via taxes. If people are healthy you will not have rationing like we have in Canada where our taxes cannot possibly pay for all the unhealthy people. US is very unhealthy. Universal healthcare would bankrupt us

[@nvno1943]

We spend our money starting wars around the world.

[@henrybird26]

I have been blown away by this interview. Taking us through your journey with cancer is an incredible story. Thank you for your honesty your candidness about your cancer. I first heard you on TEDTalks about not following the diabetic guidelines, and that’s what I decided to do 34 years ago when my diabetes was diagnosed. You are an incredible person and I hope you make your 11 years.

[@satyajh]

She was on a TED talk 34 years ago? Are you kidding.. she completed her B.S., Kinesiology & Exercise Science, Illinois State University in 1994 ... OR did you mean 3 or 4 years ago?

[@vas4739]

Good bye our dear Dr S Hallberg! You will be missed & remembered for your greatness and bravery! Rest In Peace! This is the second time I’ve seen Peter A show deep emotion for another human being. The first time was on a TEDTalk about a severely overweight and diabetic woman he was treating in the ER.

[@srinivaskota342]

I have a strong feeling that you will fight it somehow You are a very strong women ,and a strong physician ; I am very hopeful ; being a physician myself

[@joanncole9603]

One of the most gracious interviews that I have ever seen 🌹

[@cesargarza6984]

This was quite a shock to come across this. I had just seen her TEDx video and then this one came along. It is one of the most gut-wrenching interview I have ever seen. You Dr. Hallberg are a true survivior in every sense of the word. Your journey is one of emotional challages that you articulate so exceptionally well. A true insperation to us that have to deal with life limiting diseases. My heart goes out to you and I am the better for knowing of your story. May God give you the longevity you require. God bless you Sarah. Peter Attia what a great interview. keep up the great work.

[@GeorgeAllanPortraits]

WOW! Amazing talk.. as a member of a 8 person family and 5 having cancer in a 6 year period this talk was very real, the last minute or so was a crush. Sarah words don't express the immense gratitude for sharing your journey and Peter great questions and caring in your voice. Thank you both

[@VinodSV]

Very heart broken. Can't imagine I feel so bad on the demise of a person I came to know just this day. What a great person! Dr Sarah Hallberg. Blessed to know you graced the world in our time. My condolences to your family.

[@shawnhood1186]

Wow, what a story she has. Thank you for sharing this.

[@rhitaakhardid5792]

The one first wish she got is that she made it to 50. RIP Dr Sarah Hallberg. Thank you for saving so many!

[@marytheresa5621]

My sister at 65..non smoker.. diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of lung stage 1 from a routine chest xray. A lobe was removed and she is cancer free 8 years later. We were shocked as well.

[@seitanbeatsyourmeat666]

High cholesterol is connected to lung cancer. Please Google it, it’s a fact

[@DungarSinghChauhan]

​@@seitanbeatsyourmeat666but sara must be aware of this right?

[@josephmariodandrea1826]

So informative and moving.

[@timdailey2690]

RIP Dr. Hallberg

[@tijawi]

thank you both for this inciteful conversation. I've worked a bit with two terminal cancer patients that far outlived their prognosis, bankrupting one of their families. One wrote a book, Brushstrokes, about her journey. One chapter is titled Pity the Person Without Cancer. I appreciated Dr. Hallberg's alternate perspective, as well.

[@caramelfreezeable]

😞 deepest condolence...

[@stan188]

Thank you Dr Hallberg.

[@LinaLeyda]

01.22.23 Dr. Hallberg's Ted Talk and KZbin search for her brought me to Dr. Attia's incredibly heart-wrenching, profound, insightful interview with her. A very short life well lived for patient and healthcare advocacy. I pray for more doctors and more healthcare professionals to follow and continue her mission, and those of us learning about how diabetes can be controlled and her journey through cancer might be able to share her story to our family and friends all over the world. I pray for Dr. Hallberg's husband and children - may your mom's spirit keep you strong and her legacy live through you. Thank you, Dr. Attia. Your videos project incredible kindness, knowledge and expertise - what this human race needs and that is to have a good understanding.

[@mpoharper]

I have mucosal melanoma and have been keto for several years prior to diagnosis. My tumor is definitely MTor responsive and so keto has really helped together with immunotherapy. Cancer free right now, but will always need to be vigilant. Cancer is truly a challenge. My Dog got a very aggressive lung cancer from a dog park built on a superfund site (she certainly did not smoke and the vets were surprised by that diagnosis); I believe my cancer came from same source. Cancer has become so much more treatable, thank goodness!! Make it 20 years!!

[@davidparmly8828]

Well done, Peter. She was influential for me over 10 years ago. A world-changer.

[@martinasikk6162]

Dear Sarah, you are a strong and courageous women, and I’m sure you will live 11+ years, and go on doing your good work. I believe you still keep your keto diet. Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@aw1078]

Life isn’t fair. My dad smoked all his life & he’s almost 80. I hope she gets those 11 years b/c she deserves it.

[@Barbaralee1205]

Sending love and prayers for your health this New Years Day 2022.

[@CrystallyLavender]

This is shocking!!! I’m only 7 minutes into this video and I didn’t know her at all. Just Googled her and she was only 50.

[@hopefriese5966]

R.I.P. Dr. Hallberg😢

[@allisonbisset7318]

We sadly lost a close friend, 49 (non smoker) to lung cancer 7 years ago. Wishing Dr Sarah a healthy journey x

[@diabeteshopechannel1613]

"we sadly lost ...." What a way to encourage somebody 🧐

[@brycefbarnes]

Wow, what an interview. thank you for sharing. I wonder if Dr. Sarah tried fasting .. didn't here that mentioned as a possibility.

[@tosvarsan5727]

That's why I love this podcast. I mean Peter is not afraid to talk about death. Yes because there is no life without it. Despite I try to do my best to keep fit and healthy, accepting where I'm directed and the absolute unpredictability of the when and how is part of my mental health.

[@pearaltamelo1027]

I'm so sorry to know of her passing, RIP. Yes! The same thing happened to my athletic, healthy 47 yr old sister who ate healthy, exercised every day. She lasted 7 weeks after she found out she had breast ca spread to the liver... She started dying as soon as she got the diagnosis. I have heard of other young, athletic people who are taken by the CA monster!

[@lideknowles400]

GOD ALMIGHTY IS ABLE AND HE HAVE you in the PALMS OF HIS HANDS 🙏

[@carriehealth]

I’m so sad to hear of her passing. My grandma told me in the 80’s that hair spray was going to take me out. It’s sad that no one knows what is taking these people out.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

Yes, this wonderful lady shows us that all the usual mantras are not necessarily true. We are all being poisoned by the petro-chemical industry. In our food, water, the air we breath.

[@animen4165]

Dr. Sarah Hallberg is a hero to me from the first I saw her speak on TedTalk, four years ago. So sad to hear of her passing. No surprise she braved it and was fiercely defiant to the end.

[@tomg53142]

Well done . . enjoy the kids.

[@beatpirate8]

As a nurse I see a lot of young women w cancer. Breast and GI. I also have seen oral ENT cancers often in Asians. It is troubling that we don’t have research why it’s happening younger and younger

[@ewaluchter-wasylewska763]

RIP Sarah.

[@kari25nov]

A very brave woman. Thank you for being so open about your story. Wish you could have discussed more in detail what her regular blood tests said about zinc selenium, iodine, A, C, D3, E and K2 vitamins, all the B vitamins, magnesium, iron/ferritin etc throughout the years ie the micronutrients. And, has she overall had more or less 8 hour quality sleep every night? Research on insulin, IF and low carbs intake is one thing, but what about the optimal balance of vitamins and minerals to prevent eg cancer?

[@satyajh]

RIP Dr. Hallberg.

[@jayalanlife5926]

RIP Sarah

[@boobell1921]

Sarah taught me so much in this video….all tunnels have lights, even dim ones. I hope, when challenged, I strive for the light

[@maribelquesada5651]

I always think of movies… in StepMom when Susan and Julia characters talk about the future and past of the daughter, they were both in tears

[@mtm8257]

Before sending me off for my first immunotherapy treatment for renal cell my fantastic urology oncologist gave me a fist bump and said God Bless. I thought about that as I was getting the infusion. When I went back for my second treatment three weeks later I said to him that I thought about what he said during my treatment and it occured to me it ask God's blessings on him, the scientist that created the drugs, the doctors that worked with patients during trials and the patients who went through the trials. I was very fortunate, after four treatments the baseball size tumor was reduced in size by 96%. Great discussion and God Bless Sarah!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I had a buddy at work who happened to live across the street from me get this. He was active and a runner. He was told that he had one year and he died almost to the day and left a wife and three young kids.

[@auctionmusic]

In new england having a radon detector in the basement was necessary because of the cancet threat. Sarah mentioned she was in her basement, that might be it. Here is more info Radon is present in every home, wherever state you are living right now. Since radon levels vary from house to house, it is crucial to test your home for radon. This is because it is the only way to find out whether your house has high radon levels or not. Besides, no matter what the result is, it is crucial to aim for a radon-resistant home because it is the only thing that guarantees low risks of lung cancer. Suppose you are considering doing a radon test; which area should you prioritize? If you don’t know the answer, we’re here to explain everything you need to know about radon and basements.

[@xiradio]

100% my thought.

[@DungarSinghChauhan]

She is a doctor she must have known about this

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

Man I was watching this and didn't know she had already just passed this past week!!!!

[@loveand166]

Love you Sarah