Drinking tea may be a way to reduce a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer. Researchers have found that consuming more than four cups each day of either black, green, or herbal tea might actually inhibit tumor growth, thereby reducing the risk by as much as 30%.

The findings, published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, lend support to the healthful qualities tea, whose benefits in terms of ovarian cancer have been shown to be valid in animal models but are not as clear and consistent in human beings. The current study surveyed over 2,700 Australian women, half of whom had ovarian cancer, and half of whom did not. Information was gathered regarding their lifestyle and diet, which whether or not they drank tea and if so, how much.

Although the current study did not demonstrate a stronger protective effect with green tea over other types, it is consistently cited as one of the healthiest varieties, with evidence suggesting that in certain instances, drinking at least one cup of green tea each day may have a significant impact on ovarian cancer risk.

It is estimated that nearly 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. Though it affect women of any age, it is most often diagnosed in women over the age of 50. Ovarian cancer is particularly challenging because of the difficulty in detecting it at an early stage. Indeed, only about 20% of the tumors are found before they have reached an advanced stage. This is due in part to the fact that in the beginning, there are not many symptoms, or they are mild enough so that the disease escapes notice. This makes treatment all the more difficult, and highlights the importance of prevention and early detection.

Needless to say, the earlier that the cancer is found, the better the prognosis. People should be aware of any of the following symptoms:

• pelvic, back and abdominal pain
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• disruption of menstruation
• excessive gas, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

Treatment options include surgery and chemotherapy. Though the cause of ovarian cancer is not known, certain factors increase a woman's risk for the disease. These include heredity, a history of breast cancer, age, infertility, and obesity. Pregnancy lowers a woman's risk.

With this in mind, experts encourage women to embrace certain lifestyle choices in the hopes of avoiding the disease altogether or managing their symptoms. These include a wholesome diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, plenty of exercise, and a reduction in stress.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be at risk for ovarian cancer, speak with your doctor as soon as possible. For more information, visit the homepage for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, as well as the website for the American Cancer Society.