Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries — each about the size of an almond — produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. At this late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and is frequently fatal. Early-stage ovarian cancer, in which the disease is confined to the ovary, is more likely to be treated successfully. == Symptoms Early-stage ovarian cancer rarely causes any symptoms. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer may cause few and nonspecific symptoms that are often mistaken for more common benign conditions, such as constipation or irritable bowel. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss
• Discomfort in the pelvis area
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• A frequent need to urinate

Risk Factors

Certain factors may increase your risk of ovarian cancer:

• Age. Ovarian cancer can occur at any age but is most common in women ages 50 to 60 years.
• Inherited gene mutation. A small percentage of ovarian cancers are caused by an inherited gene mutation. The genes known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer are called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). These genes were originally identified in families with multiple cases of breast cancer, which is how they got their names, but women with these mutations also have a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer. The gene mutations that cause Lynch syndrome, which is associated with colon cancer, also increase a woman's risk of ovarian cancer.
• Estrogen hormone replacement therapy, especially with long-term use and in large doses.
• Age when menstruation started and ended. If you began menstruating before age 12 or underwent menopause after age 52, or both, your risk of ovarian cancer may be higher.
• Never being pregnant.
• Fertility treatment.
• Smoking.
• Use of an intrauterine device.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• If you have a genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend regular pelvic imaging and blood tests to screen for the disease.
• Iodine deficiency can lead to cancers of the breast, prostate, ovaries, uterus, and thyroid.

Home remedies

• Ginger and its constituents have been studied to inhibit Ovarian Cancer.
• Ginkgo Biloba : Research has shown that the herb ginkgo biloba significantly lowers the risk of developing ovarian cancer. More than 600 women with ovarian cancer and 640 healthy control subjects were studied. The participants had a history of using either ginkgo, echinacea, St. John's wort, ginseng or chondroitin. Only those who took ginkgo supplements had lower rates of ovarian cancer -- an impressive 60 percent decrease in risk.
• Pawpaw suppressed growth in cultured cells of several cancers, such as leukemia, small-cell Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer,Melanoma, Ovarian Cancer, Renal Cancer.
• Lycopene in Tangerine Tomatoes is particularly effective in fighting Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Cervical Cancer, and Colon Cancer.
• Frankincense : According to researchers at the University of Leicester, it has been discovered that frankincense contains cancer-killing properties for ovarian cancer. The compound AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) in frankincense has the ability to target cancer cells in late-stage ovarian patients.
• Moringa root bark kills ovarian cancer cells due to unique phytochemicals.
• Tea : Women who regularly drink tea, including black tea, green tea, or oolong tea, appear to have a significantly lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. One study found that drinking 2 or more cups of tea daily seems to cut ovarian cancer risk by almost half.
• Green Tea can specifically help prevent against ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and various other forms of gynecologic cancer.
• Flaxseed : A case-control study discovered that U.S. women who had the highest intake of plant lignans also had the lowest rates of ovarian cancer. Lignans found in flaxseed are considered phytoestrogens. These compounds 'plug' into estrogen receptors, blocking stronger forms of the hormone which aggravate ovarian cancer. Flaxseed lignans also act as an antioxidant. In a surprising investigation involving flax fed chickens, researchers at the University of Illinois found that ovarian cancer was significantly reduced in hens that consumed the seed. According to professor Janice Bahr, "In hens fed flaxseed, we found that more tumors were confined to the ovary and they had less metastatic spread. This is an important finding as the metastases that accompany late-stage ovarian cancer are the main cause of death from the disease."
• Thyme : Recent research has shown that if you mix thyme and olive oil it will enhance the availability of hydroxytyrosol, olive oil’s most potent anti-cancer compound.
• Folate has been shown to reduce the risk of developing colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancers and to help stop uncontrolled cell growth, one of the primary characteristics of all cancers.
• Hops is used to treat prostate cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
• Thunder God Vine (Lei Gong Teng) : the active compound triptolide has been shown to inhibit colorectal, pancreatic and ovarian cancers.
• Cucumbers are now known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol--three lignans that have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease as well as several cancer types, including breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
• Cloves : Researchers found that the clove extract halted the activity and growth of the colon cancer cells, the breast cancer cells, the ovarian cancer cells, the liver cancer and the colon cancer cells.
• DIM has been shown to exert control over cancer cell growth in breast, uterine, cervical, ovarian, and colon cancer.

Alternative treatment

DMSO and MSM

Warnings

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk of ovarian cancer. Your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor to discuss testing for certain gene mutations that increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Only a small number of women are found to have genetic mutations that can lead to ovarian cancer.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.