Although Black women have lower incidence rates for ovarian cancer, we are more likely to die from it than any other race.

Signs & Symptoms

According to Ovarian Cancer Canada, common signs and symptoms may include:

• Bloating- increased abdominal size/persistent bloating
• Eating- difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Pain- in pelvic or abdominal areas
• Urinary symptoms- urgency or frequency

So, who’s at risk?

This year the American Institute for Cancer Research recognized excess weight as a risk factor. Obese women have a higher risk of getting ovarian cancer and their risk is increased by up to 80%. We know what to do right? Eat at little less and move a little more.

Nutrition & Prevention

Two things popped up during my research in terms of nutrition and this deadly disease. Tea and this funny looking word – kaempferol.

Tea

I grew up drinking mint tea, ginger tea, cerasee tea and what my Mother referred to as “Bush tea”...but not green tea.

Studies show that black tea and especially green tea have huge benefits.

Will green tea cure or prevent ovarian cancer? No, but studies indicate that it may enhance our survival.

So the next time you reach for a cup of coffee, try some green tea instead. And for those of you that insist green tea tastes bad, it’s all about water temperature. If the water is too hot, your tea will taste bitter, so turn off the kettle just before it starts to boil.

Kaempferol

Kaempferol is a flavonoid that has been shown to lower the risk by nearly 40%. It’s found in tea (another reason to drink up), broccoli, and kale.

If you’re in town this weekend, The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is Tackling Women's Cancers at the October 18th game. So, I’ve decided to dust off my Pom Poms and Cheerleader shorts and return to the field for another go at it with my fellow Alumni Argo Cheerleaders. A portion of the ticket cost will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada.

Right after rehearsal, I’ll be snacking on some steamed broccoli and kale (gotta get my kaempferol) sautéed in sesame oil, ginger and garlic topped off with some hemp seeds. Now, I better get back to rehearsal.....5, 6, 7, 8

Interested in the recipe? Sign up for my newsletter and see you at the game.

Teal is the colour representing Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. So, in honour of creating more awareness, I/ByBlacks.com will be donating a Teal basket full of goodies (valued at $100) to keep you in good health. The basket contains a few of my favourites: Coconut oil, Camelina oil, NutraSea Omega 3, Coconut sugar, Green tea, Almond-Coconut milk, a shaker cup, gym towel and assorted coupons).