Cervical cancer is an abnormal growth or development of cells covering the surface of the cervix -- the narrow outer end of the uterus. Most cervical cancer cases in the United States are related to human papillomavirus, or HPV, infection. For years, vegetables have been touted as potent cancer-fighting foods. They may also confer protection against cervical cancer cells, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Numerous studies have demonstrated anti-proliferaton effects of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts against cervical cancer, according to Susan Lanza-Jacoby, Ph.D., a professor of surgery at Jefferson Medical College. Diindolylmethane, DIM, the active metabolite of indole-3-carbinol, a naturally occurring active compound found in cruciferous vegetables, has been found shown to protect against cervical carcinoma. DIM blocks angiogenesis, the formation of new tumor blood vessels, which supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients necessary for their survival and growth.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Folic acid, an important B vitamin found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach and turnips, is known to be beneficial to cervical health. This dietary agent suppresses the inflammatory processes in the body, which may have implications for the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, according to the Columbia University. The recommended daily allowance for folic acid is 180 mcgs to 200 mcgs.
Yellow Vegetables
People who consume a diet high in yellow vegetables such as lettuce have a lower risk of cervical cancer. Some components of these vegetables have been suggested to be protective against human papillomavirus. Based on an article published in the Elson Student Health Center website at University of Virginia, yellow vegetables increase resistance to HPV infections that cause genital warts and HPV-related cervical changes.
Treatment
Surgery is usually done when your cancer is found to be localized to the cervix at the time of diagnosis. Your surgeon will surgically remove the tumor while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue and the rest of your body. Cervical cancer is a viral infection, so there is no medication that will cure this disease. Some studies have shown that nutritional deficiencies may be a contributing factor in the development and progression of cervical cancer.
References
- Thomas Jefferson University: Jefferson Medical College: Chemoenhancing Effects of Dietary Nutrients; Susan Lanza-Jacoby; September 24, 2009
- Columbia University: Go Ask Alice: Foods with Folic Acid; October 27, 1995
- University of Virginia: Human Papillomavirus (HPV); November 1, 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cervical dysplasia; December 23, 2009
