The most common cause of cervical cancer among women is an HPV infection, which is mainly acquired due to unsafe sexual practices. Using contraception and being mindful of the number of one’s sexual partners plays a huge role in limiting the risk of developing a sexually transmitted disease, in this case an HPV.
The American Cancer Society says, “A well-proven way to prevent cervix cancer is to have testing (screening) to find pre-cancers before they can turn into invasive cancer. The Pap test (or Pap smear) and the human papilloma virus (HPV) test are used for this.”
Yes, while a pap smear is highly recommended to catch any early signs of cancer, getting yourself immunized against HPV is also necessary. Speak to your health care professional about the different vaccines available for HPV.
Lifestyle modifications such as quitting the butt, adequate exercise and eating right can all help to reduce the risk of several diseases including cancer. Experts believe that a diet loaded with essential nutrients and specific plant phytochemicals conjures the body’s immunity in fighting an HPV infection as well as preventing the spread of cancer.
Diet & Cervical Cancer
Several research studies have shown that about 30 to 40 percent of all cancers can be prevented with appropriate diet and lifestyle modifications. A plant-based diet consisting primarily of fruits and vegetables can rev up the body and fend off cancer cells. [2] A 2004 review published in the Journal Nutrition noted that cruciferous and allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions, broccoli, kale and brussel sprouts can all help in lowering the risk of cancer. [1]
Another study carried out in 2008 and published in the Journal Nutrition and Cancer found that people who ate diets rich in folate, lutein, flavanoids and vitamins A, C and E had a 40 to 60 percent reduction in cervical cancer risk compared to people who had diets lowest in these nutrients. [3,4]
So here are some foods which you should add to your pantry to cut the risk of developing cervical cancer and fighting HPV:
You know you should be eating healthy anyway, then why not start today to protect yourself from the dreadful clutches of cancer and other diseases.
For more interesting stories, visit our Health page. Read more about Women’s Health here.
Read More:
Vagina Diaries: Natural Ways To Keep You Infection-Free Down There
5 Herbs To Prevent Ovarian Cancer (& Support Your Treatment)
Why You Should Get A Pap Test Done
References:
1. Donaldson MS. Nutrition and cancer: a review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet. Nutr J. 2004 Oct 20;3:19. PubMed PMID: 15496224; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC526387.
2. Murillo G, Mehta RG. Cruciferous vegetables and cancer prevention. Nutr Cancer. 2001;41(1-2):17-28. Review. PubMed PMID: 12094621.
3. Ghosh C, Baker JA, Moysich KB, Rivera R, Brasure JR, McCann SE. Dietary intakes of selected nutrients and food groups and risk of cervical cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2008;60(3):331-41. doi: 10.1080/01635580701861769. PubMed PMID: 18444167.
4. Hernandez BY, McDuffie K, Wilkens LR, Kamemoto L, Goodman MT. Diet and premalignant lesions of the cervix: evidence of a protective role for folate, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B12. Cancer Causes Control. 2003 Nov;14(9):859-70. PubMed PMID: 14682443.
