Melissa Merritt, PhD
University of Hawaii Cancer Center
Obesity-related factors and ovarian cancer survival
Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a poor prognosis, and there are currently no recommendations for lifestyle modifications that may influence survival after a diagnosis. Dr. Merritt will evaluate whether obesity-related factors, including Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, physical activity, and adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations, influences ovarian cancer survival. The long-term goal of this study is to identify whether pre-diagnostic obesity-related factors may influence survival among women with ovarian cancer. If so, clinical recommendations could be developed so that patients may be able to improve their health and prognosis following an ovarian cancer diagnosis.