Cancer of the Cervix

Invasive cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women and is the reason for more than 11% of all cancers throughout the world.

A greater number of these cancers grow gradually over several years with pre-cancerous cells or dysplasia present prior to the development of cancerous cells. If the dysplasia is discovered early enough and removed, this cancer can often be prevented.

Risk Factors and Causes

Most cancers of the cervix are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, which are sexually transmitted. Other risk factors include having had more than 5 pregnancies; first intercourse before age 18; unprotected sex; early childbearing; infertility; multiple sex partners; smoking; low socio-economic status, nutritional deficiencies; and sexually transmitted infections including HIV, HPV, and genital herpes.

The use of birth control pills is another factor that may increase the rate at which cervical dysplasia turns into cancer. These contraceptive pills contain hormones: progesteron and estrogen, which enable HPV to cause cancers and to poison p53, a gene that helps prevent cancerous cells to multiply.

While cervical cancers that are linked to HPV may be started by estrogen, the hormone does not stimulate their growth once established. However, cancer of the cervix not cause by HPV is stimulated by estrogen. Thus, reducing the levels of estrogen allows gene p53 to keep up with cell growth.

Symptoms

Cancer of the cervix usually causes no symptoms until much later when it is more advanced -- this is the reason why women should have regular pelvic and pap tests done.

Symptoms of cervical cancer include bleeding after intercourse and douching, painful menstruation, bleeding between menstrual periods, unusual discharge, and heavy periods.

Detection and Diagnosis

Pap smear can detect the existence of abnormal cells and this can be followed up with a biopsy. Women age 18 and older or who are sexually active should start having yearly pelvic exams and pap tests. After three or more normal exams, the doctor may recommend decreasing the exams unless you have abnormal cells or at risk. HPV screening is a method of early detection.

Can Diet and Nutrition Help?

A diet that is low in fatty meats (especially pork), red meats, cheeses, and white bread; and high in soy products, fruits, tomatoes, dark green vegetables, whole grains, and yogurt offer the best dietary protection. Another good source of protection is shitake mushroom.

If you don't eat 3-5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, you should take vitamins C (500-1000 milligrams daily), E, A, and beta-carotene (25,000-50,000 international units daily) in supplement form.

Folic acid, one of the B vitamins (400-800 micrograms daily), can not only aid in prevention, but it has been known to reverse precancerous changes in cervical cells. Shark cartilage may help fight and prevent cancer in the cervix.

Please Note

All the Information within this site is for reference only with no guarantee of accuracy; it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Statements about the products efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

It is important to emphasize that you should not reject mainstream medical attention and guidance and the use of recommended products, treatments, and remedies for individual disorder should be approved and monitored by your health care provider. See disclaimer for more!