Exercise and nutrition intervention in ovarian cancer – development of a care concept and evaluation in clinical routine (BENITA)
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecological cancer in women and is associated with the highest mortality. Older women are usually affected, and because of the non-specific symptoms, the disease is often only recognized late. Patients often suffer from the consequences of peritoneal metastases such as water retention in the abdomen and involvement of the digestive tract. Characteristic side effects of the disease and therapy are muscle loss and malnutrition. If these are not treated, they can become chronic. This increases the risk of further symptoms such as pain, depression or fatigue. Maintaining physical abilities and improving nutritional status could help survivors continue to lead self-determined, high-quality lives. In addition, the tolerability of the therapy and subsequent recovery could be improved.
