Can Tea Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is scary. But do you know that tea can help prevent it?

Each year, almost 1,200 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The disease leads to approximately 1000 deaths per year making it the sixth most common cause of cancer death in Australia.

Tea, a beloved beverage enjoyed by many, has piqued the interest of researchers and health enthusiasts alike as it contains several potential health benefits. While it's important to note that no single food or drink can guarantee protection against diseases, including cancer, scientific studies have explored the potential connection between tea consumption and the risk of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is 8th most diagnosed cancer in Australia, and just in 2022 alone, there are 1,815 new cases, about 12% higher than in 2018. In the same year, 1,016 deaths from ovarian cancer were recorded. It is a serious condition that women should try to prevent in any way possible.

There is a paper released from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research that all women can be thankful for. The results indicated that drinking more than four cups a day of black, green or herbal tea may reduce ovarian cancer risk by almost 30%.

Link between Green Tea and Ovarian Cancer

According to Dr Nagle, the lead researcher from QIMR’s Gynaecological Cancer Group, "Green tea is thought to be the healthiest kind of tea. Although the results of our study did not show a stronger effect for green tea, combining all of the evidence worldwide suggests that drinking one or more cups green tea per day may reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer by 40%. However, this needs to be confirmed through further research."

While the study doesn’t go into details of which herbal infusion it should be, there are many healthy options to choose from. This includes vitamin-C rich Lemongrass tea, calming Royal Chamomile tea, energising Genmaicha and antioxidant-packed Yuzu Green tea.

Exploring Other Teas to Prevent Ovarian Cancer

In addition to green tea and herbal infusions, other types of tea have also been explored for their potential health benefits. For example, studies have investigated the effects of black tea and white tea on cancer risk.

Black tea, which is more oxidised than green tea, contains a group of compounds known as theaflavins and thearubigins. These compounds exhibit antioxidant properties and may have potential anticancer effects. While research specifically focusing on ovarian cancer is limited, some studies have suggested that black tea consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers. However, more studies are needed to determine the extent of this potential benefit.

White tea, known for its delicate flavour, undergoes minimal processing and is rich in antioxidants. Although there is limited research on the direct link between white tea and ovarian cancer, its high antioxidant content suggests that it may contribute to overall health and potentially offer protective effects against certain types of cancer. 

While scientific research continues to shed light on the potential benefits of tea consumption, it is important to remember that tea alone cannot guarantee protection against ovarian cancer or any other disease. It should be complemented with other healthy lifestyle choices and a comprehensive healthcare plan.

By embracing a balanced lifestyle, including a well-rounded diet, regular physical activity, and routine medical check-ups, you can take proactive steps towards reducing the risk of ovarian cancer and promoting overall wellness.