May 8th marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late — not because people aren’t paying attention, but because the symptoms are hard to spot. Research into the potential causes and markers of this is therefore crucial to prevent and protect against this.
Emerging research indicates a potential link between the vaginal microbiome and ovarian cancer. While the field is still developing, several studies suggest that imbalances in vaginal microbial communities may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Key Research Findings: (source: Eve Appeal)
- Reduced Lactobacilli & Increased Risk
- A study led by Prof Widschwendter at UCL found that women with ovarian cancer had significantly lower levels of Lactobacillus species in their vaginal microbiomes. This reduction may compromise the natural defense mechanisms of the vaginal environment, potentially increasing cancer risk.
2. Microbiome Composition as Potential Indicator
- This also suggests that the microbiome could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for ovarian cancer risk.
Implications for Vaginal Health Monitoring
These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome, not only for general reproductive health but also as a potential factor in ovarian cancer risk assessment.
Monitoring the composition of vaginal microbiota could become a valuable tool in early detection strategies and personalised risk profiling.
Future Potential
While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms linking vaginal microbiota to ovarian cancer, these studies highlight the potential of microbiome analysis in enhancing women’s health care.
