5 Things You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer

1. Cervical Cancer is Preventable

Most of the things that we know to be associated with cervical cancer are within your control. Cervical cancer has several lifestyle factors that increase your risk, and regular pap smears are simple and reliable to screen for this disease to be able to catch it early. Cervical cancer is highly curable when caught early. Eat well, don't smoke and get regular Pap smears.

2. Smoking is a Risk for Cervical Cancer

In investigations into who gets cervical cancer and who doesn't, smokers appear to have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. The explanation is that smoking depletes the tissues of antioxidant nutrients. Cells that are stressed by poor nutrition may be more likely to undergo cancerous changes. Reduce or eliminate smoking to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

3. The Number of Sexual Partners Increases the Risk of Cervical Cancer

Investigations into the causes of cervical cancer also show the risk goes up with increasing numbers of sexual partners. This may be due to increased exposure to viruses and pathogens known to be associated with cervical cancer. This may also be due to the use of birth-control pills that deplete the body of folic acid, also known to increase the risk of cervical cancer.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies Increase the Risk of Cervical Cancer

Depletion of antioxidant vitamins and B vitamins, particularly folic acid, are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer or with pre-cancer, also referred to as cervical dysplasia, you should supplement with folic acid and anti-oxidant vitamins including beta carotene, or vitamin A, zinc, selenium and vitamins E and C.

5. Sexually Transmitted Viruses

The condyloma virus, associated with venereal warts, and the human papilloma virus are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. All venereal warts or the finding of these viruses by a routine Pap smear should be treated by a physician. The use of anti-viral herbs such as licorice, lomatium and melissa by a skilled herbalist and anti-viral nutrients such as lysine and vitamin C may help to clear the viruses.