Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 14,000 people will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States in 2022.
Until 99.7% of cervical cancer cases are due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This viral infection causes abnormal changes in the cervix, leading to developing of this form of cancer.
Doctors can diagnose cervical cancer during routine health tests, such as pap smear and HPV testing. The condition is often asymptomatic.
In addition to regular Pap and HPV tests, there are three HPV vaccines that protect against some strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer.
Other factors that influence progression of HPV to cervical cancer include smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, co-infection with sexually transmitted infections such as HIVand diet and nutrition.
Diet and nutrition play a role paper in the development of cervical cancer.
In fact, proper nutrition helps optimize the immune system, which, in turn, kills HPV and helps the body respond against cancerous tumors.
However, research on the role of diet and nutrition in preventing or reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer has focused on antioxidant nutrients and dietary patterns that mitigate the impact of HPV.
subsistence allowance with high inflammatory potential, as well as the Western-style dietary pattern, are associated with the development of cervical cancer, particularly among women who have an HPV infection and a sedentary lifestyle.
A Western diet, which is generally high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium, is reported to increase Chronic inflamation and makes controlling HPV infections more challenging. Persistent HPV infection leads to the development of cervical cancer.
On the other hand, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, peas or beans, healthy fats, and fish, can lead to a lower risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer.
the intake of antioxidants, such as the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene, and vitamins C, E, and A may suppress the development of cervical cancer, particularly among those who smoke.
In addition, nutrients like folate, vitamin D, and lycopene can stop the progression of HPV to cervical cancer.
Each of these antioxidant nutrients plays several protective and overlapping roles during the stages of cervical cancer development.
Therefore, it is better to focus on overall dietary patterns and not just individual nutrients.
A observational A study of nearly 300,000 women suggests that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in several antioxidant nutrients, is associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer.
A daily increase of 100 grams (g) of fruit, the equivalent of 1 cup of blueberries, was associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer. Likewise, a daily increase of 100 g of vegetables has a similar effect.
Adopt a dietary pattern Similary to the Mediterranean diet reduces inflammation and risk of cervical cancer.
A person could eat more:
- fruits and vegetables, focusing on the variety of colors and textures
- complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, pasta, bread, and couscous
- Nuts, seeds, and olive oils, which are healthy, unsaturated fats, to replace saturated and trans fats
- herbs and spices, such as onions and garlic, while limiting added sodium
- low-fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
- legumes such as peas, lentils, and beans, including chickpeas and kidney beans
In addition to maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, the use of a daily multivitamin supplement is recommended among women with HPV. associated with less severe HPV infection and a lower risk of progression to cervical cancer.
Foods with high inflammatory potential are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
The “fast food culture” of the Western diet, characterized by processed foods low in dietary fiber and high in added sugars, increases inflammation and is involved in the development of cancers.
Therefore, foods to limit or avoid include:
- foods high in added sugar
- processed meats such as deli meats
- red meat
- foods high in saturated and trans fats
Excessive consumption of added sugars of sugar-sweetened beverages, dairy desserts, and table sugar significantly increased cancer risk in a 10-year observational study of more than 100,000 people.
red meat such as beef, pork and lamb in quantities of 101 to 200 g per day are associated with an increased risk of cancer development in both of them premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Limit intake of based on animals and industrially produced sources of saturated fat and trans fat, which research shows promote the growth of cancerous tumors.
Natural and plant-based sources of saturated and trans fats had no negative impact on cancer risk.
Pro-inflammatory foods alter the balance of “good” bacteria they live in the intestine, induce inflammation and increase the risk of cancer.
There are several natural home remedies that promise to treat or cure cervical cancer without medical intervention.
Some natural practices, such as drinking Green Tea — may offer benefits for someone with cervical cancer. However, these do not replace the need for appropriate medical intervention and treatment.
In spite of emerging research in medicinal herbs for the treatment of cervical cancer, more research on these anticancer plants, its active compounds and safe doses.
Always consult with your oncology medical team to determine the best treatment options.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers. HPV infection causes 99.7% of cases.
There is a clear link between diet and nutrition, the progression of HPV infection, and the subsequent development of cervical cancer.
Characterized by processed foods, red meat, low dietary fiber, and high added sugar, the fast-food culture of the Western diet is pro-inflammatory and associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Research suggests that antioxidant nutrients such as carotenoids, vitamins A, C, E, D, and folate, found predominantly in a Mediterranean-style diet, may prevent or reduce HPV infection and, by extension, the development of cervical cancer.
Limit pro-inflammatory foods and increase fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidant nutrients, to lower your risk of cervical cancer.
Avoid replacing proper medical intervention and treatment with natural home remedies to control cervical cancer. Discuss with your oncology medical team the best treatment options.
