Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. It is a cancer that forms on or in an ovary and has the ability to spread to other parts of the body. In most cases, ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the abdomen and pelvis. If detected and treated in an early stage, ovarian cancer is often curable. The treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.
Ovarian cancer rarely causes any symptoms however advanced stage ovarian cancer may cause some symptoms which may include:
- Discomfort in the pelvic area.
- Abdominal swelling or bloating.
- A frequent need to urinate.
- Getting full quickly when eating.
- Constipation or changes in bowel movements.
Different cancers have different risk factors. However, having a risk factor does not mean that you will get the disease.
Below are some risk factors that can be associated with ovarian cancer:
Obesity: Obesity has been linked to a higher risk of developing many cancers.
Family history: Your risks of getting ovarian cancer can increase if someone in your family has or had ovarian cancer.
Getting older: Ovarian cancer is rare in women younger than 40 which indicates that the risk of developing ovarian cancer gets higher with age.
Having children at a late stage: Women who have their first full-term pregnancy after the age of 35 have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Hormone therapy after menopause: Women who use estrogens after menopause have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. ₁
“It is essential for you to care about your diet if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer as your body will require some nutrients to stay strong and healthy,” says Gert Coetzee, Pharmacist and Diet pioneer, who founded The Diet Everyone Talks About.
Below he lists some nutrition tips for ovarian cancer:
Eat a lot of vegetables: It is essential for you to care about your diet plan if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer as your body will require some nutrients to stay strong and healthy.
Add whole grains to your diet: Unlike refined grains, whole grains give you the benefits of natural plant compounds which may lower your risks of developing ovarian cancer.
Blueberries: Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants that have been shown to help prevent the development of many forms of cancer. What makes blueberries effective cancer fighters is because they contain phytochemicals known as anthocyanins.
Fish: Fish is generally one of the healthiest foods that you can consume. Not only is it packed with protein, it is also low in fats and calories. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that can also help prevent the development of cancers by limiting the blood supply to cancer cells.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are actually very effective in preventing ovarian cancer. This is because tomatoes contain an anti-angiogenic agent called lycopene. This is an oxidant that fights free radicals which can play a significant role in the development of cancers such as ovarian cancer. ₂
For more information or if you’d like to join The Diet Everyone Talks About:
Tel: (016) 362 4890
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.the-diet.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thediet.co.za/about/?tab=overview
Twitter: @dietsa
References:
₁ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
₂ https://www.activebeat.com/your-health/7-foods-that-help-prevent-ovarian-cancer/6/
Issued By: The Lime Envelope
On Behalf Of: The Diet Everyone Talks About
For Media Information: Kerry Oliver
Telephone: 011 467-9233
E-mail: [email protected]
