World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025: Raising Awareness and Exploring Prevention

Ayurveda offers a comprehensive and natural approach to health and disease prevention, including the potential prevention of cancers such as ovarian cancer. Ayurveda views cancer pathogenesis as the key imbalance in Doshas and Agni. They constitute Tri Dosha Imbalance (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies), with Vata harming cellular integrity and thus encouraging metastasis. Pitta causes inflammation and accelerates cell division, while Kapha promotes fluid accumulation and excessive cell buildup. Agni Dushti (Impaired Digestion) leads to Ama accumulation, creating a toxic environment favourable to the proliferation and spread of malignant cells. When these blocked channels get jammed due to accumulated Ama, Srotoavarodha (Bodily Channel Obstruction) occurs, thus denying oxygen and nutrients to normal tissues, disrupting tissue regeneration, and favouring abnormal growth. Dhatu Vaishamya (Tissue Regeneration Disruption) leads to tumours due to Dhatvagni dushti (impaired tissue metabolism). Finally, Ojo Vyapath (Immunity Impairment) occurs when toxin accumulation and inflammation deplete the Ojas (vital energy), compromising the immune response and providing opportunity for cancer development. The theory explains that from this instance, disease prevention, including cancer, involves maintaining balance and resolving these predisposing conditions. Therefore, some of the preventive measures employed in Ayurveda are as follows:

• Diet and lifestyle modifications: Ayurveda suggests a balanced diet full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Lifestyle changes such as physical activity and stress relief are chief factors. The ultimate preventive aspect of this approach is to avoid Agni Dushti and the formation of Ama, and hence to keep up with a healthy environment in the body. Among the food considerations are spices of definite significance for cancer prevention, namely, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Garlic (Allium sativum), and Black cumin (Nigella sativa). Also, Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is traditionally accepted for its possible inhibiting effects on cancer cell growth.
• Rasayana foods: Rejuvenating foods that include Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) and various other nutrient-dense foods designed to improve immunity and vitality.
• Herbal interventions: Specific herbs are traditionally used for their potential therapeutic properties. They inhibit cancer via anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions and possess anti-cancer abilities.
• Rasayana Therapy: This therapy, which rejuvenates the body, forms the basis of Ayurveda preventive medicine. The main objective of preventive treatment is to strengthen overall health, vitality, and resilience to reduce further risk of cancer decline by promoting the defensive powers of the body against diseases. Key aspects of Rasayana therapy include:

1. Immunomodulation: Enhances the immune system, fortifying the body’s natural defense mechanisms against the intrusion of cancerous changes.
2. Antioxidant Ability: Many Rasayana preparations contain antioxidants to counter oxidative stress, one of the precursors of carcinogenesis.
3. Nutritional Support: Rasayana therapy attempts to replace essential nutrients, which enables tissues and organs to perform optimally.

• Detoxification: It helps in the elimination of harmful substances or Ama from the body, substances that aggravate potential risk factors for cancer.

Detoxification Practices: Ayurveda detoxifies through Panchakarma, by which one’s channels are cleansed of Srotoavarodha (obstructions). These are conducive to the well- being and prevent abnormal growth. Thus, from an Ayurveda perspective, this collection promotes systemic balance to enhance further the natural resistance potential of the body. AyurVAID incorporates every nodal point included in Ayurveda and amalgamates it with Western modalities of care. We have a well-defined and tested Integrative Cancer Care (ICC) Protocol for most cancers, including ovarian cancer. Integrative care is intended as a supportive treatment, from prevention of cancer to complementing ongoing therapy, not a replacement for conventional cancer therapy like chemotherapy, surgery, or immunotherapy. Patients who rely solely on Integrative Medicine and refuse conventional treatments may not benefit. Addressing inflammation and metabolic imbalances from an Ayurveda perspective, Amapachana (treating inflammation through removal of toxins), Agnideepana (stimulating metabolism), Srotas Shodhana (cleansing of channels) and Rasayana therapies (enhancing immunity and tissue strength).