Does diet influence cervical cancer risk?

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Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 14,000 people will receive a diagnosis of cervical cancer in the United States in 2022.
Cervical cancer
about 14,000
Up to 99.7% of cervical cancer cases result from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This viral infection causes abnormal changes to the cervix, leading to the development of this form of cancer.
99.7%
human papillomavirus (HPV)
development
Doctors may diagnose cervical cancer during routine health screens such as Pap smears and HPV testing. The condition is often asymptomatic.
Pap smears
In addition to regular Pap smears and HPV testing, there are three HPV vaccines that protect against some strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer.
HPV vaccines
Other factors that influence the progression of HPV to cervical cancer include smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, coinfection with sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, and diet and nutrition.
influence
sexually transmitted infections
HIV
The link between diet and cervical cancer
Diet and nutrition play a role in the development of cervical cancer.
role
In fact, adequate nutrition helps to optimize the immune system, which, in turn, eliminates HPV and helps the body respond against cancer tumors.
immune system
However, research on the role of diet and nutrition in preventing or reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer has focused on antioxidant nutrients and dietary patterns that mitigate the impact of HPV.
dietary patterns
Diets with high inflammatory potential — much like the Western-style dietary pattern — are associated with the development of cervical cancer, particularly among women who have an HPV infection and a sedentary lifestyle.
Diets
A Western diet — which is typically high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium — reportedly increases chronic inflammation and makes controlling HPV infections more challenging. Persistent HPV infection leads to the development of cervical cancer.
chronic inflammation
On the other hand, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, peas or beans, healthy fats, and fish — may lead to a lower risk of both HPV infection and cervical cancer.
may lead to
The intake of antioxidants, such as the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene, and the vitamins C, E, and A may suppress the development of cervical cancer, particularly among those that smoke.
antioxidants
carotenoids
beta carotene
vitamins
Furthermore, nutrients such as folate, vitamin D, and lycopene may stop the progression of HPV to cervical cancer.
folate
vitamin D
Each of these antioxidant nutrients plays various protective and overlapping roles during the developmental stages of cervical cancer.
protective
Therefore, it is best to focus on overall dietary patterns and not just on single nutrients.
Foods to get more of
An observational study in nearly 300,000 women suggests that an increased intake of fruits and vegetables — which are rich in various antioxidant nutrients — is associated with a reduced risk for cervical cancer.
observational
A daily increase of 100 grams (g) of fruit, the equivalent of 1 cup of cranberries, was associated with a reduced risk of cervical cancer. Likewise, a daily increase of 100 g of vegetables has a similar effect.
Adopting a dietary pattern similar to the Mediterranean diet reduces inflammation and cervical cancer risk.
similar
reduces
A person could eat more:
fruit and vegetables, focusing on variety of colors and textures
complex carbs, such as whole grain rice, pasta, bread, and couscous
nuts, seeds, and olive oils, which are healthy, unsaturated fats, to replace saturated and trans fats
herbs and spices, such as onion and garlic, while limiting added sodium
onion
low fat dairy, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
legumes such as peas, lentils, and beans, including garbanzo beans and red beans
In addition to maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, the use of a daily multivitamin supplement among women with HPV is associated with a less severe HPV infection and a lower risk for progression to cervical cancer.
associated
Foods to avoid
Foods with high inflammatory potential are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
The “fast food culture” of the Western diet, characterized by processed foods that are low in dietary fiber and rich in added sugars, increases inflammation and is implicated in the development of cancers.
implicated
Thus, foods to limit or avoid include:
foods high in added sugar
processed meats such as deli meat
red meats
foods high in saturated and trans fats
The excessive consumption of added sugars from sugary beverages, dairy desserts, and table sugar significantly increased the risk of cancer in a 10-year observational study in over 100,000 individuals.
added sugars
Red meats such as veal, pork, and lamb in the amount of 101–200 g per day are associated with an increased risk of cancer development in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Red meats
both
Limit the intake of animal-based and industrially produced sources of saturated and trans fats, which research has shown to promote cancerous tumor growth.
animal-based
tumor
Naturally occurring and plant-based sources of saturated and trans fats did not have a negative impact on cancer risk.
Pro-inflammatory foods disrupt the balance of “good” bacteria living in the gut, induce inflammation, and increase cancer risk.
“good” bacteria
Skip the home remedies
There are several at-home, natural remedies that promise to treat or cure cervical cancer without medical intervention.
Some natural practices — such as drinking green tea — may offer benefits for someone with cervical cancer. However, these do not replace the need for appropriate medical intervention and treatment.
green tea
Despite emerging research into medicinal herbs for cervical cancer treatment, further investigation into these anticancer plants, their active compounds, and safe doses is required.
emerging research
anticancer plants
Always consult with your oncological medical team to determine the best treatment options.
The bottom line
Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers. Infection with HPV causes 99.7% of cases.
There is a clear link between diet and nutrition, the progression of HPV infection, and the subsequent development of cervical cancer.
The fast-food culture of the Western diet — the hallmarks of which are processed foods, red meats, low dietary fiber, and high added sugar — is pro-inflammatory and associated with an increased risk for cervical cancer.
Research suggests that antioxidant nutrients such as carotenoids, vitamins A, C, E, D, and folate — all found predominantly in a Mediterranean-style diet — may prevent or reduce HPV infection, and by extension, the development of cervical cancer.
Limit pro-inflammatory foods and increase fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidant nutrients, to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Avoid replacing appropriate medical intervention and treatment with at-home, natural remedies to manage cervical cancer. Consult with your oncological medical team for the best treatment options.