Ovarian Cancer
Integrative Cancer Treatment for All Stages of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Treatment Center
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to treat, and, unfortunately, there’s a high rate of recurrence.
One of the biggest treatment challenges with this type of cancer is when it’s identified—nearly 60% of cases aren’t diagnosed until the tumor has metastasized. And once ovarian cancer has spread, it’s more difficult to get rid of.
That’s why it’s so important to understand the symptoms of this disease, as well as possible risk factors and treatment options. With early detection, patients can start treatment earlier.
And with an awareness of what therapies can be used to help the body fight ovarian cancer, individuals can take more control over their healing journey.
Our clinic located in Scottsdale, Arizona uses natural therapies for life-changing results.
Ovarian Cancer Patient Success Stories
The most remarkable testimony to the results of the holistic treatments offered at Brio-Medical comes from the inspiring stories of actual Ovarian Cancer patients and their families.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in one of the ovaries—which are a pair of female reproductive system glands located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
The cancerous growth can spread to both ovaries and other places in the body.
What Are the Different Types of Ovarian Cancer?
There are three main types of ovarian cancer. These types are based on what tissues the cancerous cells start developing in: epithelial cells, germ cells, or stromal cells.
Epithelial cells cover the ovaries. When a cancerous tumor starts growing in the epithelium tissue, which is the lining outside of each ovary—it's called epithelial ovarian cancer. The majority of ovarian cancers begin in this epithelium tissue—about 90% of all cases. This disease is usually only found in postmenopausal women.
Germ cells are the cells inside the ovaries that are responsible for producing eggs. This type of ovarian cancer is far less common. Only about 5% of cases are germ cell ovarian cancer. Unlike epithelial ovarian cancer, which primarily impacts older women, most germ cell ovarian cancer cases occur in women under the age of 30.
Stromal cells produce estrogen and progesterone. Also, stromal tissue makes up the connective tissue that holds the ovaries together. An abnormal growth that develops in stromal tissue is known as a stromal tumor. Stromal ovarian cancer makes up about 5% of ovarian cancer cases, and it’s generally only found in older women, although there are rare exceptions.
What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
The earlier a woman begins treating cancer, the better. However, unlike other types of cancer, such as breast cancer, there’s no evidence that early screening improves outcomes.
Until screening methods improve, one of the best steps women can take is to know the possible warning signs of ovarian cancer. Here are some of the signs and symptoms women with ovarian cancer experience:
- Unexplained digestive issues such as abdominal pain and bloating
- Indigestion that wasn’t already present
- Pain in the back or pelvic area
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling full soon after eating
Many of these symptoms could be signs of other health issues. But it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your health or your loved one's. As a general rule of thumb, if your symptoms seem to appear out of the blue and persist for more than two weeks, consult a physician about what might be causing them.
On the other hand, someone can have ovarian cancer without any symptoms. This is why this disease is known as a silent killer.
What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer starts developing when healthy cells mutate and start growing uncontrollably in the tissue of the ovaries. No one knows exactly why this happens, but there are risk factors associated with this disease.
Here are the main ones:
- Age: Generally, increased age is linked to a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer, a more advanced stage of the disease upon diagnosis, and a lower survival rate.
- Family history: Having a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer increases your risk. This is the strongest risk factor for this type of cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase one’s risk of developing epithelial tumors.
- Inherited genes: There is evidence that certain genes might trigger the mutations that lead to ovarian cancer (as well as breast cancer). These genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- HRT: Women who take estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause are at an increased risk.
- Obesity: Being obese is a risk factor for certain types of ovarian cancer.
- Not having children: The more children a woman has, the less likely she is to have an ovarian tumor.
Can Ovarian Cancer Be Treated Holistically?
In conventional medicine, an ovarian tumor is usually treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. While effective in some cases, the prognosis for ovarian cancer isn’t good—it has the worst prognosis and mortality rate of all gynecologic cancers and is three times more lethal than breast cancer. Also, for women who aren’t diagnosed until an advanced stage, it’s likely they’ll continue having recurrences in the future.
But conventional medicine isn’t the only pathway available to you or your loved one. Women who want to take a more non-toxic, natural approach to healing can turn to holistic treatment options for ovarian cancer. Holistic and integrative oncology treatments can be used alongside conventional therapies or on their own. They can also be used to help the body return to a state of health after cancer treatment.
There are plenty of holistic options, from nutrition counseling to acupuncture. All of them offer unique benefits that can assist an individual on their healing journey. Some therapies reduce the side effects of cancer and toxic treatments. Others can be used to fight cancer cells, strengthen the immune system, and slow tumor growth.
Here are three evidence-backed natural therapies that can be used to fight ovarian cancer:
Quercetin IV Therapy
Quercetin is a flavonoid contained in fruits, vegetables, and beverages like coffee and green tea. Studies show that this nutrient is effective at stopping cancer cells from spreading. Because quercetin is also known to re-establish normal cell cycles, it might also be used as a safe, non-toxic treatment to help prevent cancer from reoccurring.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy (LLT), promotes healing in a safe, non-invasive way, making it a useful option for helping the body recover after surgery. Researchers have also found that it might help to slow the growth of cancer cells and can be safely used as an alternative cancer treatment.
Ozone Sauna
Patients can use an ozone sauna to help stimulate the release of toxins and strengthen the immune system. This treatment combines the healing potential of ozone therapy with the detoxifying and relaxing effects of heat.
Explore Your Options for Treating Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a complex disease, and because it can develop without symptoms, many women aren’t diagnosed until it’s spread beyond the ovaries. This can make it more challenging to treat. However, with holistic medicine and a team of highly experienced integrated physicians and other specialists, you can take control of your healing journey.
References for ovarian cancer:
[1] Arora T, Mullangi S, Lekkala MR. “Ovarian Cancer.” [Updated 2022 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from:
[2] MD Anderson authors. “Ovarian Cancer.” MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer.html. Accessed September 23, 2022.
[3] Jayson, Gordon C, Ph.D., et al. “Ovarian Cancer.” The Lancet, Volume 384, Issue 9951, 11–17 October 2014, Pages 1376-1388.
[4] Moffitt Cancer Care authors. “What Is Ovarian Cancer?” Moffitt Cancer Center, https://moffitt.org/cancers/ovarian-cancer/, Accessed September 23, 2022.
[5] Jeong, Jae-Hoon, et al. “Effects of low dose quercetin: cancer cell-specific inhibition of cell cycle progression.” Journal of cellular biochemistry vol. 106,1 (2009): 73-82. doi:10.1002/jcb.21977
[6] Yang, Kok Lee, et al. “In vitro anti-breast cancer studies of LED red light therapy through autophagy.” Breast cancer (Tokyo, Japan) vol. 28,1 (2021): 60-66. doi:10.1007/s12282-020-01128-6
[7] Clavo, Bernardino, et al. “Ozone Therapy as Adjuvant for Cancer Treatment: Is Further Research Warranted?.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 2018 7931849. 9 Sep. 2018, doi:10.1155/2018/7931849
