# Nutrition in ovarian cancer
Nutritional status before and after surgery
Ovarian cancer often requires extensive surgery (cytoreductive surgery) in which much tissue and sometimes parts of the gastrointestinal tract are removed. How your body's nutritional status is before that procedure appears to be important for recovery afterward.
Studies show that patients in whom nutritional deficiencies are identified beforehand — especially deficiencies in protein, vitamins and minerals — more often experience complications after surgery, such as infections or prolonged healing time.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Measuring nutritional status beforehand therefore helps doctors and dietitians better assess what support may be needed.
After surgery, digestion can be significantly disrupted. The intestine needs time to adapt, especially if parts of it have been removed or relocated. Therefore, patients often receive a step-by-step nutrition plan: initially only fluids, later soft food, and gradually normal food.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This helps prevent or alleviate serious complications such as intestinal obstruction (ileus).
Protein and muscle tissue
Proteins are crucial for wound healing and for maintaining muscle strength, especially important after major surgery. Chemotherapy can disturb appetite and further complicate nutrition, which puts muscle tissue under extra pressure.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Higher protein consumption appears to reduce the risk of certain cancer types and supports better recovery after treatment. For patients with ovarian cancer, sufficient protein during and after treatment helps maintain strength and body functions better.
The quality of protein seems to matter: animal proteins (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) and plant proteins (legumes, nuts) each have advantages and disadvantages that your dietitian can discuss based on your situation.
Carbohydrates and food quality
Not all carbohydrates are equal. Studies suggest that the **quality** of carbohydrates is more important than the quantity.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Carbohydrates from whole grains, vegetables and fruit (high-fiber variants) appear more protective than those from refined bread, sugar and processed food.
This also applies to ovarian cancer because chemotherapy and surgery put metabolic strain on the body. A diet with more whole grains and fewer refined sugars can help maintain more stable energy levels and better support gut health — especially important if your intestines are already sensitive from treatment.
Fat intake and inflammation
Many studies point out that the type of fat (rather than the amount) influences body differences associated with cancer. Omega-3 fats from fish, walnuts and flaxseed have anti-inflammatory properties.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
With chemotherapy-related side effects (nausea, loss of appetite) and during recovery, a diet with anti-inflammatory properties — think fish, olive oil, vegetables and fruit — can work as psychological support. However, this is not a replacement for medical treatment, but an additional choice.
Micronutrients and the immune system
Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, D, zinc and selenium are important for immune function and wound healing.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Patients with ovarian cancer often have increased needs for these substances due to surgery and chemotherapy.
UnproveniNo scientific evidence that it works
The idea that high doses of supplements (much higher than normal food) fight cancer or make chemotherapy stronger is not proven and can even be harmful — some supplements can interfere with chemotherapy. Therefore, it is important to always discuss this with your doctor or dietitian. A varied diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, nuts and fish usually provides enough.
Weight management around surgery
For overweight patients, preparation for major surgery can be beneficial: studies show that small weight loss before surgery improves recovery chances.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
However, this is delicate — you should not feel starved before such a procedure. A dietitian can create a safe plan.
After surgery, weight can fluctuate significantly due to, among other things, fluid shifts, reduced appetite, and altered bowel function. This is normal and usually not something to struggle with immediately; recovery comes first.
Details after cytoreductive surgery
If parts of the bowel or stomach have been removed or rearranged, food can move through the digestive tract faster or bypass it. This can lead to:
- Faster satiation (smaller portions, eating more frequently)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Difficulty absorbing certain nutrients
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
In these situations, a dietitian can help adapt nutrition to your new situation — for example, with more small meals, adjusted fibre intake, and possibly supplemental nutrition or supplements where needed. This is highly individual and requires guidance.
Chemotherapy and eating problems
Chemotherapy can change taste, cause nausea, or reduce appetite. Some foods make this more bearable:
- Cold food is often tolerated better than warm
- Mild flavours better than heavily spiced
- Small, regular portions better than three large meals
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This is not a 'diet' but practical adaptation to what your body can manage at that time. A dietitian has considerable experience with this type of adjustment.
Interactions between food and medication
Some chemotherapies have nutritional interactions: certain foods can prevent absorption or worsen side effects.
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This varies per medication.
UnproveniNo scientific evidence that it works
Online 'cancer diets' or strict nutritional protocols claiming miraculous results are not evidence-based. Be cautious of claims that certain foods cure cancer or render chemotherapy pointless — this can be harmful.
Role of the dietician
An oncology-specialised dietitian can:
- Assess your nutritional status (what your body needs)
- Relieve treatment side effects through nutrition
- Make adjustments after surgical procedures
- Prevent interactions between food and medication
- Address malnutrition and muscle tissue loss
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Guidance from a dietitian during and after cancer treatment improves outcomes.
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_This information never replaces a doctor's judgment. Always discuss your situation with your own healthcare provider._