Cervical cancer affects the cells that line the narrow opening, or neck, of the uterus. According to the U.K. National Health Service's website, NHS Choices, over 99 percent of cases of cervical cancer are believed to be caused by the human papilloma virus; smoking may also be linked to the development of this condition. It is usually treated by surgically removing the cervix. Radiotherapy or chemoradiation may also be necessary. Some vitamins may help to support cancer treatment, but there is little evidence to show they can treat the cancer itself. Do not use vitamins in place of conventional treatments and get medical advice before taking a vitamin supplement.
Examples
The A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research notes that vitamin D and vitamin B-3, also known as niacin or nicotinic acid, may play a role in the treatment of cervical cancer. Vitamin D, also sometimes known as the sunshine vitamin because the body manufactures it when sunlight hits the skin, may shut down the activity of enzymes involved in the growth of cancer cells. Vitamin B-3 may deplete reserves of glycine, an amino acid used by cancer cells to make DNA, according to the A.P.John Institute for Cancer Research.
Sources and Administration
A number of foods contain vitamin D, including dairy products and leafy green vegetables. It is also available as a supplement in pill form. Vitamin B-3 is also found in a variety of foods. The best dietary sources of vitamin B-3 include brewer's yeast, beef kidney, salmon, sunflower seeds and peanuts. Like vitamin D, it is also available in pill form.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies evaluating the role of vitamin D in the treatment of cervical cancer are lacking. Studies examining the effects of vitamin B-3 on cervical cancer are equally lacking, although the results of an early study published in the October 1999 issue of the "Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine" show that compounds related to nicotinic acid may cause cervical cancer cell death.
Safety Considerations
Dietary sources of vitamin D and vitamin B-3 are unlikely to pose a health risk. However, the Office of Dietary Supplements notes that taking a vitamin D supplement may increase the risk of kidney stones in postmenopausal women. It may also interact with other medicines you may be taking including steroids and the weight loss drug, orlistat. High doses of vitamin B-3 may cause side effects including skin flushing. Don't take vitamin B-3 if you have liver disease or a stomach ulcer.
References
- NHS Choices: Cervical Cancer
- The A.P.John Institute for Cancer Research: Cervical Cancer
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)
- "Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine"; Vitamins and Apoptosis--Induction of Apoptosis in Human Cancer Cells by Nicotinic Acid-Related Compounds; H. Taguchi ; October 1999
