Cervical cancer is a cancer of the female reproductive tract. With regular gynecologic exams, this cancer can be diagnosed and treated in its early stages, increasing the likelihood of survival. While calcium is not a treatment for the disease, this mineral may help reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Talk with your doctor about whether calcium supplements are appropriate for you.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer occurs in the organ that connects the uterus and vagina, known as the cervix. It is usually caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and is often slow-growing. Getting regular Pap smears can help detect early cell changes that signal possible cervical cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2010 in the United States more than 12,000 women were diagnosed with the disease, and more than 4,000 women died from cervical cancer.
Calcium
Calcium is necessary for many bodily functions and is the most abundant mineral in the human body, states the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. It aids in nerve and muscle contraction, hormone secretion, cell signaling and bone remodeling. Although it is found in foods such as dairy products, tofu, salmon and spinach, it can also be consumed in supplement form. Taking calcium with vitamin D is important, as vitamin D helps the body better absorb the calcium. Before using calcium supplements, consult your doctor to see how much calcium is necessary for your health, and whether supplementation is safe for you.
Calcium for Cervical Cancer
According to a 2010 study published in the "International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer," found that daily consumption of a multivitamin that included calcium was associated with a lower risk of developing precancerous conditions of the cervix. Another study published in 2007 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," found that among postmenopausal women, those who took supplemental calcium and vitamin D had a lower incidence of all types of cancers. More research needs to be done on the specific contribution of calcium and how it affects cervical cancer cells, but this research is promising.
Considerations
Calcium supplements are not to be used in place of standard treatment for cervical cancer, and are not a substitute for regular Pap smears. Although calcium supplementation may help decrease various types of cancer, including cervical cancer, too much calcium can cause health problems. The National Cancer Institute states that kidney stones, hypercalcemia and kidney failure can all be side effects of high levels of calcium intake. Talk with your doctor about how much calcium to take and whether increased supplementation can help your situation.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Cervical Cancer Home Page;
- National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements; Calcium
- PubMed.gov; "International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer"; Dietary Supplements Reduce the Risk of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia; JH Hwang et al; 2010
- PubMed.gov; "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation Reduces Cancer Risk: Results of a Randomized Trial; JM Lappe et al; 2007
- National Cancer Institute: Calcium and Cancer Prevention;
