Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer with a dismal 37% survival rate in 5 years. A personal history of breast cancer or family history of ovarian cancer, increase your odds. One of the reasons it's so deadly is that it often has few symptoms. Fortunately, if caught early, the survival rate can be up to 98%. Read more about what you can eat (or avoid) to prevent it.

Bite this:

• Broccoli, tea, kale and spinach. These all contain the powerful flavonoid kaempferol, an antioxidant linked with cancer reduction. In a study of over 67,000 women, those that consumed the most of this compound were 40% less likely to develop ovarian cancer than those that didn't.
• Peppers, cabbage, carrots and celery are all sources of luteolin, a flavonoid linked with a 34% reduction in ovarian cancer in those that consumed the most.
• Dried beans, blueberries and raisins provide myricetin, an antioxidant that appears cancer-protective.
• Carrots, sweet potatoes and yellow squash provide carotenoids and lutein, two nutrients found to reduce risk of ovarian cancer.
• Caffeine. Thank God for a reason to drink more coffee! Risk for ovarian cancer is lowest in those consuming caffeinated beverages, especially in those that never used oral contraceptives or post-menopausal hormones.

Not that:

• Obesity. Being obese raises a woman's risk of ovarian cancer by a whopping 80% and survival rates in obese women with ovarian cancer are lower than those of normal weight. Work with a dietitian and/or trainer to help you get to a healthier body weight.
• Red meat. Research on dietary patterns in women find higher rates of ovarian cancer in women that consume a lot of red meat and pork.
• Processed meat. Drop the hot dogs! Women who consume more processed meat (including hot dogs, brats, metts and sausage) have higher rates of ovarian cancer than those that do not.
• Excess milk. Researchers don't know why, but too much milk may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. If you drink milk, choose skim or 1% and limit to 3 cups per day.
• Laziness. While you can't 'eat' laziness, being physically inactive may increase your likelihood of cancer. Exercise not only trims your waistline, it also enhances immunity, which helps prevent cancer.

For more information, check out the National Ovarian Cancer CoalitionOr to take part in the Cincinnati 4th Annual 5K Walk/Competitive Run to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer.