Cervical Cancer

Description

Alternative Names

Prevention

Effective preventive measures and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV) would be the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Some experts urge early screening for the infection. At this time, however, the best preventive measure is to reduce the risks for becoming infected.

Use of Barrier Contraceptives

Use of barrier contraceptives (particularly male and female condoms) is associated with a reduced risk of cervical cancer, even in women already infected with human papillomavirus. HPV can exist outside the area protected by the male condom, so this method is not foolproof in preventing an initial infection. The female condom is becoming increasingly popular and may prove to be particularly effective against sexually transmitted diseases.

Male Circumcision

A 2002 study reported that men who are circumcised have a lower risk for carrying HPV and therefore reduce the risk for cervical cancer in their female partners.

Vitamins

Some studies have suggested possible protective benefits against cervical cancer from certain vitamins.

• High blood levels of vitamins E and C have been linked with lower rates of some cancers, including cervical cancers.

Although vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, there are no known toxic effects of megadoses.

Click the icon to see sources of food which contain vitamin E.

Click the icon to see the benefits of vitamin C.

Click the icon to see sources of food which contain vitamin C.

• Folic acid, a B vitamin, prevents birth defects and may also lower the risk for development of dysplasia (precancerous changes) leading to cervical cancer. It is not clear how strong this association is, or why this would occur. Some evidence points to its actions in reducing levels of homocysteine, a compound associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer.

There is no definitive evidence, however, that taking vitamins can prevent any cancer. Eating healthy foods rich in such vitamins and other important nutrients is in any event the best approach for overall good health.

Vaccines against HPV

Vaccines directed against the dangerous genetic variants of human papillomavirus are now in development and may eventually prevent this cancer. Such vaccines boost an immune response against the development of cancer or even existing tumors. An important 2002 study indicated that a vaccine targeting HPV genetic type 16 may significantly reduce the rate of cervical cancer. (This genetic type is among the most virulent and is associated with half of all cervical cancers.) In the study, the vaccine protected women from an initial infection and from persistent infection and from precancerous changes in women who were already infected. Expanding the vaccine's effectiveness against the seven other high-risk genetic HBV types would further improve its protectiveness.