Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the area between the vagina and uterus. According to the National Cancer Institute, 11,279 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2009. Cervical cancer is usually caused by the human papilloma-virus (HPV). It develops gradually and may not cause symptoms. A nutrient-rich diet is recommended for women who have cervical cancer and as an added prevention technique for women without cancer.
Function
A diet for cervical cancer may help lower a woman's risk for developing the disease or improve a woman's wellness during cancer treatment and recovery. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), a weakened immune system increases a woman's risk for developing cervical cancer; thus, a diet rich in antioxidants (disease-fighting nutrients) may prove helpful. The A.P. John Center for Cancer Research (APJCCR) suggests that CAAT--a diet that controls a woman's amino acid intake--may help treat cervical cancer.
Features
Foods that strengthen the immune system are valuable aspects of cervical cancer diets. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene (vitamin A) and other phytochemicals (plant-derived nutrients) may reduce cancer risk. Calcium-rich foods may also provide benefits. Women following an amino acid-based diet may be advised to increase consumption of protein-rich foods, according to APJCCR. Because women's dietary needs vary, certain features of a cervical cancer diet depend on doctor or dietitian guidance.
Helpful Foods
Numerous plant-based foods provide antioxidants that may benefit women with cervical cancer and those who wish to prevent it. Foods rich in the antioxidant vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, red bell peppers, strawberries, cantaloupe, papaya, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli and potatoes (with skin). Vitamin E is present in wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, safflower oil, hazelnuts, spinach, peanuts and broccoli. Carrot juice, carrots, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, apricots, mango and oatmeal provide valuable amounts of beta carotene. Valuable protein sources should come from lean sources, including skinless white-meat poultry, legumes, tofu, low-fat dairy products, soy milk and fish. According to the APJCCR, patients with cervical cancer who struggle with digesting solid foods may consume protein-based beverages and soft foods, such as yogurt.
Effectiveness
Though dietary measures are not known to cure cervical or other types of cancer, they may improve wellness and likelihood of recovery. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer in July 2006 showed that vitamin E may correlate to improved wellness in women with advanced-stage cervical cancer. Vitamins E and A showed no relationship to cervical cancer; however, researchers speculate that cancer of the cervix may be influenced by certain dietary factors. The ACS recommends an antioxidant-rich diet as a potential means of reducing cancer risk, but warns that research findings are mixed and often blown out of proportion by the media.
Suggestions
A nutrient-rich diet is suggested for women's overall wellness and as a potential preventative for cervical cancer. However, because cervical cancer is linked with HPV, the UMMC suggests practicing safe sex. Vaccines are available for young women and girls who have not been exposed to the virus. Women should also seek regular gynecologic and physical exams. Once a woman receives a diagnosis of cervical cancer, dietary suggestions may be discussed with her doctor or dietitian. Consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, and exercising regularly may also support overall wellness and lower risks for various types of cancer. Alternative cancer treatments that involve dietary supplements or food plans as treatment should be approved by medical doctors, as many supplements and dietary regimens lack evidence of safety and effectiveness.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Cervical Cancer Facts and Statistics
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cervical Cancer Risk Factors
- A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research: Cervical Cancer Overview and Treatment
- Intl. Journal of Cancer; "A case-control study of diet and invasive cervical cancer"; July 2006
