Diet and ovarian cancer risk: A case–control study in China Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This case-control study investigated the relationship between dietary factors and the risk of ovarian cancer among women in Zhejiang, China. The research focused on food intake, including vegetables, fruits, animal fats, and preserved foods, and their potential impact on the development of epithelial ovarian cancer. The study aimed to identify protective or risk-related dietary habits through an in-depth analysis of food consumption and its association with cancer incidence.
Who was studied?
The study involved 254 patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer and 652 control participants. The cases involved women under 75 years old who had lived in Zhejiang Province for at least 10 years. Controls were matched by age and geographical area and consisted of hospital visitors, outpatients, and women recruited from the community. The study sample was designed to ensure diverse representation, with controls free of neoplasms and not under long-term dietary modifications.
Most important findings
The study revealed significant associations between dietary habits and ovarian cancer risk. High intakes of vegetables and fruits were linked to a decreased risk of ovarian cancer, with the upper quartile of vegetable intake showing a 76% lower risk compared to the lower quartile. In contrast, diets rich in animal fat and salted vegetables increased the risk of ovarian cancer, with the highest quartiles for animal fat intake associated with a 4.6-fold increased risk. The study also found that the consumption of fried, cured, and smoked foods significantly increased cancer risk, with the highest intake of smoked food showing a dramatic 9.6-fold increase in risk.
| Food Group | Risk Association |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Decreased risk (OR = 0.24) |
| Fruits | Decreased risk (OR = 0.36) |
| Animal Fat | Increased risk (OR = 4.6) |
| Salted Vegetables | Increased risk (OR = 3.4) |
| Fried Foods | Increased risk (OR = 2.50) |
| Smoked Foods | Increased risk (OR = 9.60) |
Key implications
This study highlights the potential impact of dietary patterns on ovarian cancer risk and emphasizes the importance of modifying dietary habits to reduce cancer risk. The findings suggest that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables while reducing the consumption of animal fats, salted vegetables, and fried or smoked foods may lower the risk of ovarian cancer. These insights can inform public health strategies and recommendations for cancer prevention, particularly in regions where dietary habits significantly contribute to cancer incidence. The clear associations between diet and ovarian cancer suggest that further research into dietary interventions, combined with lifestyle changes, could be beneficial in cancer prevention programs.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers affecting women worldwide. Known for its "silent" progression, this disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making early diagnosis crucial for improving survival outcomes. With a variety of subtypes, ovarian cancer presents unique challenges in both treatment and prevention. Recent advancements in research are shining a light on the importance of the microbiome, particularly how microbial imbalances in the gut and vaginal microbiota can influence cancer progression. Repurposed drugs such as metformin and innovative interventions like probiotics, microbiota transplantation, and intratumoral microbiota therapies offer promising new avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment.