Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because many women now get routine Pap tests that detect precancerous cells, the numbers have decreased. In addition to regular physical exams, practicing safe sex and not smoking, a healthy diet may guard against cervical cancer or improve your chance at full, stable recovery once you have it.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are top sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which may help reduce the effects of free radicals, which are linked to cancer. In a study published in "Nutrition and Cancer" in 2008, researchers analyzed the nutrient and food group intake and cervical cancer risk of 1,218 women for 14 years. Women who consumed diets rich in fiber and plant-derived nutrients, particularly antioxidants, were 40 to 60 percent less likely to develop cervical cancer than women who did not. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in vitamin C include berries, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, tomatoes, bell peppers and leafy greens. Fruits and vegetables also provide valuable amounts of fiber.
Whole Grains
Because whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain, they provide more fiber and nutrients, including the antioxidant vitamin E and folate, than refined grains, such as white flour. Women with the lowest cervical cancer risk in the "Nutrition and Cancer" study also consumed diets rich in folate. If you have cervical cancer, whole grains provide a useful way of maintaining positive energy levels during the course of treatment. Nutritious whole grain foods include 100 percent whole grain breads, pasta and cold cereals, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, oatmeal, pearled barley and air-popped popcorn.
Lean Protein-Rich Foods
Protein-rich foods support tissue repair, physical strength and strong immune system function. Although most people with the HPV virus never develop cervical cancer, your risk is heightened if you have a weak immune system, according to MayoClinic.com. And cancer patients typically require more protein than usual. Because a diet rich in saturated fat is linked to cancer, choose lean, protein-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products, legumes, fish, skinless white-meat poultry and egg whites most often.
Healthy Fats
Fats help your body absorb certain nutrients, including vitamin E. They also provide energy and add bulk, positive texture and flavor to foods. Eating foods rich in nutrients and calories, such as healthy fat sources, may help manage reduced appetite and unnecessary weight loss associated with cancer and cancer treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends emphasizing unsaturated sources, such as nuts, seeds, canola oil, olive oil and fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and halibut.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cervical Cancer Statistics
- "Nutrition and Cancer"; Dietary Intakes of Selected Nutrients and Food Groups and Risk of Cervical Cancer; Chaitali Ghosh et al.; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Cervical Cancer: Risk Factors
- American Cancer Society: Benefits of Good Nutrition
