Dietary Fructose, Found in Processed Foods and Sugary Drinks, Linked To Ovarian Cancer: Study

We have often been warned against processed foods and sugary drinks. They are known to cause weight gain and various other health issues. Now, a new study has linked fructose, often present in these food, to the spread of ovarian cancer.

The research has discovered a surprising hidden link between dietary fructose and cancer cells. It has stated that cancer cells that are not killed by chemotherapy can help send signals to neighboring tumour cells, thereby helping them become more capable of spreading. The researchers identified dietary fructose as a key messenger in this process. To know more about the study, read ahead.

What is The New Study on Ovarian Cancer All About?

A latest study, published in the journal Nature Aging, found an unexpected link between the common dietary sugar called fructose and the aggressive spread of ovarian cancer. The researchers discovered that when cancer cells survive chemotherapy treatments, they stop dividing but remain biologically active. These surviving cells start to produce and release fructose into their surrounding environment to act as a hidden messenger. This released fructose sends a signal to neighboring tumour cells, encouraging them to break away and spread to other parts of the body. 

The findings state that fructose achieves this dangerous spread by actively minimising the cholesterol levels inside those neighboring cells.The study also disclosed that consuming high amounts of processed fructose such as corn syrups that is found in sugary sodas can lead to this exact same cancer-spreading signal, even without chemotherapy. 

The research, therefore, suggests that simple dietary changes, specifically cutting back on highly processed added sugars, can play a significant role in slowing down cancer progression. 

Symptoms and Causes of Ovarian Cancer

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Pelvic, back or abdominal pain
• Bloating or distension
• Feeling full soon after eating or losing your appetite
• Fatigue
• Pain during sex
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Peeing more often
• Unexplained weight loss

What about its causes? The Cleveland Clinic mentions genetic mutations (changes) as the cause behind ovarian cancer. Different types of ovarian cancer are linked to various gene mutations. The most common being a mutation to tumour protein 53 (TP53). Certain factors may contribute behind these genetic mutations such as:

• Age: Being over the age of 60.
• Genetics: Inheriting BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations (and other rarer mutations) and/or having a family history of ovarian, breast, uterine or colorectal cancer.
• Medical conditions: Suffering from endometriosis and/or obesity.
• Duration of your reproductive years: Getting your period early (before age 12) and/or starting menopause late (after age 50).
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Never being pregnant, having your first baby after age 30 and/or never breastfeeding.
• Hormone-related medications: Never taking birth control pills and/or taking postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy.

ALSO READ- Ovarian Cyst vs Ovarian Cancer: Key Differences, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment Explained

Conclusion

A groundbreaking new research discovered a connection between dietary fructose from processed foods and the dangerous spread of ovarian cancer. While genetic mutations and reproductive history are the primary risk factors for the disease, limiting your intake of highly processed sugars and sweetened drinks can be a simple yet powerful way to help slow down the progression of this cancer. Moreover, staying vigilant about early warning signs and making mindful dietary choices are crucial in protecting your long-term health and improving cancer outcomes.