Ovarian cancer usually gets diagnosed at a very late stage, typically when it has metastasized. It is one of the common types of cancer and a large number of women are diagnosed with this condition throughout the world. A major risk factor for developing certain types of cancers such as ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer is excess body weight.

In a research conducted on women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Cook County between 1994 and 1998, it was observed that there was a definite connection between longer survival and a healthy diet.

Women were studied according to their preference for fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains, dairy foods, and oil. The women following healthier diets were found to be linked with longer survival periods and some foods had a bigger impact than others. The survival time, however, differed from one woman to another depending on her age, the stage at which ovarian cancer had been diagnosed, and also on the type of foods consumed. It was observed that cruciferous vegetables and yellow-colored vegetables such as cauliflower, kale, and broccoli were more effective.

In the following, some of the common foods to eat and avoid in a diet for ovarian cancer have been listed.

Foods to include in a diet for ovarian cancer:

• It is recommended to include more vegetables and fruits in the daily diet if one wishes to minimize the risk of ovarian cancer. One should consume at least 5 portions of vegetables and fruits every day.
• It is necessary to opt for whole meals and whole-grain cereal, bread, rice, and pasta. Not only are such foods more nutritious but they are also rich in fiber.
• Cruciferous vegetables are recommended for alleviating the risks of getting ovarian cancer. Some of these include cabbage, cauliflower, kale, daikon, arugula, collard greens, turnips, radish, wasabi, and mustard seeds and leaves. Such veggies contain high amounts of phytochemicals that get converted into isothiocyanates when cooked and chewed. These help to prevent the growth of different types of cancers by inhibiting tumor growth and getting rid of carcinogens from the body. Besides, cruciferous vegetables can lessen inflammation, which, in turn, prevents cancer and other deadly diseases like cardiovascular diseases.

When undergoing treatment for this condition, one will have to make the right food choices with a lot of care as chemotherapy and associated treatments will make it difficult to eat properly. However, one will need optimum energy levels in order to continue with the treatment.

Foods to avoid in a diet for ovarian cancer:

• Research has shown that women consuming a lot of processed meat, red meat, or cured meat exhibited lower survival rates than those who avoided meat.
• If one suffers from diarrhea, it is then essential to avoid milk and other dairy foods, caffeine and carbonated sodas, and high-fiber foods.

It is not entirely clear how a healthy meal plan can extend one’s rates of survival. However, it is important to consult a doctor and chart out a healthy diet plan in order to manage the condition more effectively.