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Reduce Your Risk for Ovarian Cancer

Drink Tea Every Day To Decrease Your Risk of Ovarian Cancer

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that women who drink two or more cups of tea every day may reduce their risk of developing ovarian cancer by as much as half.

While many studies have promoted tea for its anti-carcinogenic properties, this study is among the first to link tea with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer specifically. The most recent study involved more than 60,000 women between the ages of 40 and 76. Women who drank at least two cups of tea every day reduced their risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 46 percent. Every additional cup over two reduced a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer even further, by as much as 18%.

The study also revealed benefits for women who drank one cup of tea per day. Women who drink one cup of tea each day generally reduced their risk of developing ovarian cancer by roughly 24 percent.

Ovarian Cancer Statistics

Ovarian cancer is cancer that starts in the ovaries, and may spread to other reproductive organs. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs for fertilization and reproduction. Cancer typically begins in the ovaries but may also spread to the fallopian tubes and into the uterus.

Ovarian cancers often start in the epithelial cells that cover the ovary. Other cells susceptible to cancer include stromal cells, responsible for producing female hormones, and germ cells, responsible for producing eggs.

There are multiple forms of tumors associated with the ovaries. Some women develop benign or non-cancerous tumors that remain localized, or contained within the ovary. Usually a doctor can successfully remove a benign tumor by removing part of or in some cases the entire ovary.

Other tumors that form in the ovary are usually malignant or cancerous, and may spread throughout the body. There are many signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. More commonly reported symptoms include fatigue, back pain, abdominal pain, urinary urgency or frequency, bloating or other discomfort in the reproductive region. These symptoms may be associated with other disorders as well, and non-cancerous tumors. Thus if you have any symptoms it is extremely important you see your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

There are multiple diagnostic tests that can confirm whether or not ovarian cancer is present. The most commonly used tests include ultrasound imaging, CT scan or x-rays, MRI exams, tissue sampling and blood testing to name a few. Your doctor may decide on multiple testing methods to confirm a diagnosis.

Preventing Ovarian Cancer

Fortunately there are several methods you can adopt to help reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. Here are some more common methods for decreasing a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer:

• Drink two or more cups of tea every day.
  
• Try oral contraceptives. Studies suggest that women using oral contraceptives for several years generally have a 30-50% reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer.
  
• Women with a tubal ligation have as much as a 67% reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
  
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding are known to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
  
• Diet and exercise can help lower your risk for all cancers. It is important that women eat a well balanced diet with foods from each of the food groups, particularly whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean meats. A diet high in processed or fatty foods can contribute to ovarian cancer risk.

Of all of these strategies, drinking tea seems the easiest. If you haven't already, consider stepping out and buying some of your favorite tea today. Not only will it taste good, but it also may reduce your risk of a potentially life threatening cancer!