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Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine possible associations between diet and fatigue. Dietary intake using a 4-day food diary was assessed in 40 cancer survivors. Cancer survivors had completed all cancer treatments at least 12 weeks prior and had their fatigue assessed with the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). Participants were placed into one of three fatigue levels, “no fatigue”, “moderate fatigue”, or “severe fatigue” based on their BFI. Mean differences in food group, eating patterns and nutrient intake were analyzed using ANOVAs, K-means cluster analysis, chisquares and proportional odds model.

BackgroundGinger (Zingiber officinaleRosc) is a natural dietary component with antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. The ginger component [6]-gingerol has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects through mediation of NF-κB. NF-κB can be constitutively activated in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and may contribute towards increased transcription and translation of angiogenic factors. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ginger on tumor cell growth and modulation of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cellsin vitro.MethodsThe effect of ginger and the major ginger components on cell growth was determined in a panel of epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines. Activation of NF-κB and and production of VEGF and IL-8 was determined in the presence or absence of ginger.ResultsGinger treatment of cultured ovarian cancer cells induced profound growth inhibition in all cell lines tested. We found thatin vitro, 6-shogaol is the most active of the individual ginger components tested. Ginger treatment resulted in inhibition of NF-kB activation as well as diminished secretion of VEGF and IL-8.ConclusionGinger inhibits growth and modulates secretion of angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells. The use of dietary agents such as ginger may have potential in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer.