Cervical Cancer Prevention and Diet - Cervical Cancer Center - EverydayHealth.com MenuNewslettersSearch Cervical Cancer Cervical Cancer Prevention and Your Diet Your food choices may help protect you against cervical cancer. Learn how to include cervical cancer prevention strategies in your diet. By Madeline R. Vann, MPHMedically Reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MDReviewed: February 2, 2009Medically ReviewedEating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help protect you from developing cervical cancer. How? Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Experts believe that a diet high in the antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and folate found in fruits and vegetables can help the body fight HPV infection and prevent HPV infection from turning cells of the cervix into cancerous lesions. A study published in the journal Cancer Research found that women whose blood tests showed high levels of certain chemical compounds — indicating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables — were able to clear their HPV infections faster than their peers, which could help reduce the risk of cancer. Fighting Cervical Cancer With Diet "Lots of research points to great benefits associated with diet and cancer. Eating mostly a plant-based diet — one that is made up primarily of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains — is the best," says Susan Moores, RD, an American Dietetic Association spokeswoman. You can find ways to include these foods in your diet throughout the day. Moores recommends adding a variety of colors to your diet and including nutritious foods with attributes that fight cervical cancer at all three meals. For example:Breakfast: orange juice, cantaloupe, yogurt, and granolaLunch: open-faced toasted cheese and veggie sandwich with red peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchiniDinner: tossed romaine salad with grapefruit segments and whole-wheat pasta with spinach, black beans, chicken, and diced tomatoes Flavonoids to Reduce Cervical Cancer Risk Flavonoids are chemical compounds in fruits and vegetables that are thought to be a leading source protection against cancer. The following are just a few examples of flavonoid-rich foods to consider adding to your diet:ApplesAsparagusBlack beansBroccoliBrussels sproutsCabbageCranberriesGarlicLettuceLima beansOnionsSoySpinach Folate as a Cervical Cancer Risk Reducer Studies suggest that foods rich in folate (a water-soluble B vitamin) reduce the risk of cervical cancer in people with HPV. However, researchers do not yet know how folate might affect cancer risk. It is possible that folate helps the body stop HPV infection from coming back repeatedly, which decreases the risk of developing cancer. Foods rich in folate include:AvocadosChickpeasFortified cereals and breadsLentilsOrange juiceRomaine lettuceStrawberries Carotenoids in the Cervical Cancer Diet Some studies suggest that carotenoids, a source of vitamin A, are also helpful in preventing cervical cancer risk. In addition to the fruits, vegetables, and beans on the lists above, you could also include orange foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and winter squash in your diet. Cervical Cancer: Diet Is Only Part of the Solution However, a diet high in fruits and vegetables — although an important part of an overall cancer prevention plan — cannot prevent cervical cancer by itself. "Cervical cancer is primarily a lifestyle cancer," says gynecologist Rachel Reitan, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Tulane University School of Medicine. Reitan says she has not seen any research that convinces her that a dietary change is enough to prevent cancer. "Even vegetarians develop cervical cancer," she says. A healthy lifestyle that can help reduce your chances of developing cervical cancer should also include:Getting annual Pap smears to screen for early cell changesGetting vaccinated against HPVNot smokingBeing monogamous (the risk of HPV increases with more than one sex partner) Taking these steps and eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can help you keep your cervical cancer risk low.BasicsTreatmentCaregivingSee All Cervical Cancer ArticlesSee All Cervical Cancer Q&As NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Cancer Care Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Cervical Cancer Advanced Cervical Cancer Rates Are Rising Among U S Women While diagnosis rates for advanced cervical cancer are climbing fastest among white women, Black women are more likely to get these hard-to-treat tumors...By Lisa RapaportAugust 25, 2022 New Directions What Innovations Are Coming Down the Pike for Cervical Cancer The Leading innovations in cervical cancer are occurring in the arenas of machine-based diagnosis and novel treatmentsBy Liz SchererJanuary 20, 2022 Surgery for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Is ChangingPatients with treatable cervical cancer may benefit more from open surgery.By Julie MarksDecember 30, 2021 What Is Cervical Cancer Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and PreventionBy Melba NewsomeOctober 22, 2020 American Cancer Society Releases New Cervical Cancer Screening GuidelinesThe updated guidelines would reduce the number of screenings required to eight times between the ages of 25 and 65.By Shari RoanJuly 31, 2020 New Analysis Suggests Cervical Cancer Screenings Should Continue After Age 65The study shows one in five women are older than 65 when diagnosed and that black women are at higher risk.By Shari RoanApril 4, 2018 Cervical Cancer TreatmentBy Sara AltshulAugust 25, 2016 Cervical Cancer Symptoms and DiagnosisBy Sara AltshulAugust 25, 2016 What Is a Precancerous Cervical Lesion This abnormality found in cervical cells may develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.By Krisha McCoyJune 8, 2010 Standing Up for Better Lung Cancer CareWith the support of his family, Walter Pearsall spoke up about his lung cancer treatment and was able to get the care he deserves.By Lambeth HochwaldOctober 6, 2022 MORE IN Cancer Risks Signs Symptoms Tests Treatments and More Causes of Pancreatic Cancer What Is Colon and Rectal Cancer Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention