Foods to eat and avoid for ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among women. It affects individuals of all ages, but those between 50 and 60 are most susceptible. Like other cancers, medication is a must for treating ovarian cancer. However, proper nutrition is also essential. This article lists the foods to eat and avoid for ovarian cancer patients, including some effective therapy options like CAR T-cell and Rubraca to help relieve cancer symptoms.
Foods to eat
The following are the three best foods for ovarian cancer:
Broccoli
Broccoli is considered one of the healthiest foods in the world. Being a green vegetable, it is rich in nutrients like vitamin A and C, iron, calcium, and chromium. Besides, its antioxidant-rich nature makes it an essential part of an anti-cancer nutrition plan.
Ginger
A popular superfood, ginger can help overcome the discomfort caused by ovarian cancer. The root has hundreds of phytochemicals that can directly attack cancer cells, making it one of the best options for cancer relief.
Carrots
A fiber-rich food, carrots carry high amounts of vitamins A, K, and B6. Plus, the beta carotene in them helps keep the cell membrane safe from damage caused by toxins and slows down the growth rate of cancer cells.
Foods to avoid
Patients with ovarian cancer must avoid the following:
Raw foods
Raw foods can contain anti-nutrients and sometimes even harmful chemicals or microbes that can damage the body’s cells. Foods like eggs, shellfish, sushi, meat, poultry, and vegetables need to be well-cooked before eating.
Unpasteurized products
Unpasteurized products like certain cheeses and raw milk are especially harmful to cancer patients as they have a weakened immune system. Therefore, these should be kept off the menu.
Red meats
Research shows that staying away from pork, beef, lamb, or other red meats can play a part in preventing ovarian cancer. This also stands true for processed meats like bacon, ham, sausages, and more.
While proper nutrition is necessary, medication and therapy play a more significant role in fighting cancer. Here are a few therapy options for treating ovarian cancer:
CAR T-cell therapy
In CAR T-cell cancer therapy, doctors extract T cells from the patient’s blood, bind them with a special protein receptor, and inject the modified cells back into the patient. The new cells are now better equipped to fight cancer cells. The CAR T-cell therapy option is one of the best for cancer relief.
Hormone therapy
This cancer treatment option uses medicinal compounds that help inhibit the growth or multiplication of cancerous cells. Hormone therapy is especially effective for women with breast or ovarian cancer.
Rubraca
Rubraca is an oral ovarian cancer medication option. Simply put, it blocks the enzymes that repair the DNA in cancerous cells, leaving them to die. It is approved by the FDA and is especially effective when used alongside chemotherapy.