 As terrifying as a diagnosis of cancer can be, stories of individuals taking their health into their own hands, and defeating so-called 'terminal' illness through natural methods are common. Whether using a strict raw vegan or traditional vegetarian diet, Gerson therapy or macrobiotics, these former cancer patients beat the odds and are living vibrant, healthy lives. Food as medicine At one point or another, most of us have come across an encouraging story of someone who lived to tell the tale of refusing conventional cancer therapy, and instead opting for a natural healing protocol. Even though each method may differ in approach, all tend to have one element in common, namely, a nutrient dense, cleansing diet. For some, raw juices are the key. For others, sea vegetables and grains. Regardless of the method, one thing is certain: a clean diet is powerful medicine. 'If you don't do chemotherapy, you're insane' Chris was diagnosed with colon cancer in his late twenties. After having part of his colon surgically removed, along with a golf ball-sized tumor, he was told by his doctor there wasn't anything specific he should do to keep healthy - except keep in mind that most cancer patients only have a five-year survival rate. When Chris subsequently refused chemotherapy, his doctor thought he was 'insane.' After plenty of research and prayer, Chris decided to take the road less traveled, and ditch the conventional treatments for alternative medicine - specifically, a 100 percent raw vegan diet . As a reward for his unconventional choice, Chris has been free of cancer for over eight years. You can learn more about Chris's journey here . Only a few weeks left to live Janet was 45 years old when she discovered that she was terminally ill with stage IV lung cancer. A registered nurse, Janet chose chemotherapy, but due to severe side-effects, she discontinued the treatment after only one dose. She was then advised by her primary care physician to research macrobiotics . Janet decided to give it a try and hired a macrobiotic consultant/cooking coach, who taught her about the protocol. Before long, Janet's test results began improving. And then her tumors completely disappeared. Six years later, she is still cancer-free and continues to embrace a macrobiotic way of life. Janet's full story can be found here . 'Nutrition won't hurt, but it won't help' Diagnosed with mantle cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Joyce had a football-sized tumor on the left side of her body that weighed five pounds. Told by her doctors she had a three-year survival rate, and that chemotherapy would not cure the cancer, Joyce turned to nutrition and chose a Gerson diet . Soon after, even though her doctors said nutrition wouldn't help, they advised her to continue whatever she was doing. Joyce cured her cancer and now lives an energetic, healthy life with her family. Watch Joyce's story here . A turning point Elena's doctors predictably recommended chemotherapy when she was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. Just as she was about to begin conventional treatments, her mother called Charlotte Gerson, who convinced her to try alternative therapies instead. Elena took this advice to heart and adopted a protocol of enzymes, cleanses and coffee enemas - in addition to an organic vegetarian diet. Five years later, she remains cancer-free with more energy than ever. Further information about Elena's journey can be found here . To learn more about naturally healing cancer, the following sites offer a wealth of information and inspiration: Living foods Macrobiotics Gerson therapy 