Cervical cancer affects the neck of the uterus. There are two forms of survival cancer, but the most common is known as squamous cell cancer and develops in the cells that cover the cervix. Cervical cancer is often only detected as a result of a cervical smear test. However, symptoms may include vaginal bleeding, abdominal discomfort and pain during sex. If you have cervical cancer, you may require surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Herbal medicines are sometimes used to prevent cancer or alleviate treatment-related side effects. However, they should never be used in place of conventional cancer treatments. Talk to your doctor before using herbs to prevent or treat cervical cancer.
Example
An example of a herb that may play a role in the prevention or treatment of cervical cancer is green tea. Green tea is a popular beverage that may also offer therapeutic effects. It contains a number of biologically active compounds, including polyphenols. One such compound, known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is thought to confirm the majority of this herb's therapeutic effects. The A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research says that green tea may work by shutting down the supply of energy to cancer cells.
Effectiveness
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has concluded that green tea is unlikely to prevent any form of cancer. However, the results of a study published in the "International Journal of Gynaecological Cancer" in May 2010 show that green tea induces cervical cancer cell death and inhibits cancer cell growth. However, this study was carried out in the laboratory and not in women with cervical cancer. Research published in "Photomedicine and Laser Surgery" in January 2010 found that exposing cervical cancer cells to green tea and red light suppresses cancer cell growth. Again, however, the study was carried out in the laboratory, not in humans.
Side Effects
Drinking more than five cups of green tea daily may cause caffeine-related side effects, including tremor, irritability, restlessness, headache and nausea, according to Medline Plus. It may also inhibit your body's ability to clot and may affect the amount of iron you absorb from your food. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds that green tea has been associated with several cases of hepatitis.
Contraindications
The use of green tea is contraindicated in a number of conditions, including hypertension, anxiety disorders, liver disease, diabetes and anemia. It also interacts with several other drugs, including the birth-control pill, lithium, anti-coagulants and the anti-cancer drug bortezomib. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that people undergoing chemotherapy should avoid green tea.
References
- Bupa: Cervical Cancer
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research: Cervical Cancer
- "International Journal of Gynaecological Cancer"; Green tea Compound in Chemoprevention of Cervical Cancer; C. Zou et al.; May 2010
- "Photomedicine and Laser Surgery"; Extraordinary Anticancer Effect of Green Tea and Red Light; A.P. Sommer et al.; June 2010
- Medline Plus: Green Tea
