Nutrition and Women's Health: Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, and Integrative Strategies - Chapter 3 - Nutrition and gynecologic cancer: prevention, treatment, and recurrence

Elsevier, Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, and Integrative Strategies, 2026, pp 31-48
Authors: 
Bhushan Rane, Vaibhav Patil, Nandini Mhatre, Nikita Mane, Punam Rane, Anjali Pingale, Satish Rojekar

Gynecological malignancies, including cervical, endometrial, and ovarian tumors, are serious health issues for women globally. Earlier research findings indicate that approximately 19 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed globally in 2020, resulting in nearly 10 million deaths, of which about 40% are due to gynecological cancer. Gynecological malignancies are often tackled using a multimodal strategy that includes radiation treatment, surgery, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. The side effects of these treatments include the potential to impair quality of life and sexual function. When it comes to gynecological cancer prevention, treatment, and recurrence, nutrition plays a vital role. Research has indicated that the duration of hospital stays for patients with gynecological cancer is correlated with their nutritional state, with improved nutritional status being connected to shorter hospitalizations. The use of nutraceuticals, bioactive substances obtained from food sources that could offer health advantages, in the prevention and treatment of cancer, particularly gynecological malignancies, has drawn interest. Research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals on the prevention of cancer, immune system performance, and cardiovascular health. Considering their nontoxicity, multiple sources, and safe ingestion, nutraceuticals (e.g., Beta-carotene, Quercetin, and Lycopene) are acknowledged for their promise in cancer therapy and tumor prevention. In conclusion, nutraceuticals demonstrate promise as a complement to traditional cancer treatments for preventing and managing gynecological malignancies, due to their nontoxicity and possible health advantages, making them an important field for study to enhance patient outcomes in gynecological cancer.