Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. Cervical cancer is caused by various strains of human papillomavirus, which are sexually transmitted, according to MayoClinic.com. Folic acid, also called vitamin B-9, is one of the eight B vitamins. Folic acid-rich foods and supplements may help prevent cervical cancer.
Folic Acid and Cervical Cancer
Patients with cervical cancer experience an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the uterus. Normal cells in the uterus multiply when the body needs them and die when the body does not need them. When normal cell division and multiplication is interrupted, cells divide and multiply too quickly, leading to abnormal cell masses in the uterus. Folic acid is helpful in prevention of cervical cancer because it supports normal growth of cells, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Sources of Folic Acid
The daily recommended dietary intake of folic acid is 400 mcg for adults, according to MedlinePlus. The doctor may prescribe higher dosages of folic acid to women who are at risk for cervical cancer. Sources of folic acid include dark green vegetables such as spinach, kale, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, turnip greens, beets, soybeans, lima beans, beef liver, brewer's yeast, milk, salmon, fortified breads and cereals.
Folic Acid Supplements
Folic acid is found in over-the-counter multivitamins and B-complex vitamins. Folic acid supplements should be taken together with other B vitamins because they are needed for its activation. Folic acid is available in the form of tablets, lozenges, soft gels and injections. Folic acid injections are useful for patients with cervical cancer who are unable to eat regular foods.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
During the early stages of cervical cancer, patients may not display symptoms of the disease. When symptoms occur, patients experience foul smelling vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods, vaginal bleeding after menopause, vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, pelvic pain during or after sexual intercourse, back pain, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina, bone fractures and weight loss, according to PubMedHealth. Regular Pap smears are important for detecting early stages of cervical cancer.
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