Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in your ovaries turn cancerous and grow uncontrollably. The so-called malignant cells eventually spread to surrounding areas if left untreated. Ovarian cancer ranks as the ninth most common female cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Scientists have discovered several ways that your diet can impact your risk for the disease or increase your chance of survival if you get it.
Meat and Fish
A diet high in processed meats, such as lunch meat, can increase your risk of ovarian cancer, according to a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Scientists found that you increase your risk for ovarian cancer by 18 percent when you eat processed meats at least four times per week. Conversely, if you eat fish at least four times each week, you may lower your risk for ovarian cancer. The study found no link between cancer and red meat.
Soy
Eating at least one serving of soy per week may decrease your risk of ovarian cancer. One serving equals, for example, 1/2 cup of tofu. High levels of estrogen can drive ovarian cancer, and soy may work with your body to decrease those levels. Scientists characterize soy as a phytoestrogen, which means that your body reacts to soy and estrogen in similar ways. However, eating soy may decrease your risk for ovarian cancer by 40 percent. Scientists are still working to understand why.
Flavonoids
Eat broccoli a few times each week because a flavonoid it contains called kaempferol may lower your risk for ovarian cancer by 40 percent. Vegetables containing the flavonoid luteolin, which include carrots and cabbage, have also shown promise in lowering the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 34 percent. Flavonoids are compounds found in plants. Scientists are still working to understand why they appear to promote human health. The compounds may help the body regulate cell-signaling pathways, which determine cell growth and death, among other things.
Survival
Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can increase the likelihood that you will survive ovarian cancer. Foods that impacted survival rates the most included fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that your eating patterns anywhere from three to five years before a diagnosis impact long-term survival rates. Meat on the other hand, may decrease your survival time after ovarian cancer treatment.
References
- Reuters; Processed Meat Linked To Higher Ovarian Cancer Risk; Howard Wolinsky; April 2010
- Ovarian Cancer National Alliance: Diet Rich In Soy May Lower Risk of Ovarian Cancer
- Northern California Cancer Center: Soy May Help Prevent Ovarian Cancer, Study Finds
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Flavonoids
- Harvard University: Harvard Gazette: Flavonoid-rich Diet Helps Women Decrease Risk of Ovarian Cancer
- University of Illinois at Chicago: Institute for Health Research and Policy: Dietary Factors Influence Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates
