In the United States, ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in women. It is the leading cause of death related to gynecological malignancy, and the 2nd most commonly diagnosed in the same area. A woman's ovary gives life, but sometimes it also takes it away.
But the cranberry has something to say about all this: that it might just be the answer ovarian cancer patients are looking for!
For the women
Doctors and scientist are still confused how to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages. The American Cancer Society say that there are no true tests for ovarian cancer. So you need to undergo an surgical procedure called laparotomy just to check if you got the cancer. This can be expensive depending on where you live.
Now for some good news. According to a new study, cranberries may increase the effects of chemotherapy on the ovary's tumor cells. The experiment revolved around treating the cancer cells with cranberry juice and then exposing them to chemotherapy later on. The effectiveness of the chemotherapy increased sixfold! What do you say to that?
Researchers still don't fully understand how cranberries can do that to tumor cells. At least they're working on it. But indeed the results look very promising for the future of ovarian cancer treatment. And for the future of women.
Not a cure
It should be noted, experts say, that the cranberry is not a cure for ovarian cancer. It isn't and perhaps will never be. If the tests go well, cranberries may serve as a supplementary treatment, an adjunctive therapy, meaning the fruit will work together with chemotherapy in treating the patient. So before you reach for that pitcher of cranberry juice, take note the study is still in its preliminary stages and nothing is set in stone just yet.
We hope this article has aroused your curiosity about cranberries as a possible supplementary treatment for ovarian cancer.
