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Cervical cancer remains very common in women. It affects the uterine cervix – the lower end of the uterus that connects the upper vagina. If detected early, cervical cancer can be cured. In most cases – cervical cancer is caused by the HPV infection (human papillomavirus infection). The HPV infection is spread through sexual or skin to skin contact. In some cases, the HPV infection persists and causes precancerous changes in the cervix cells which can at a later stage lead to cervical cancer.
Early stage cervical cancer may not show any signs or symptoms. Symptoms will only start developing when the cancer can be diagnosed by doing a pap smear or any other procedure that is used to sample the cervix.
The risk factors associated with cervical cancer include:
Smoking: Women who smoke are more likely to develop cervical cancer than those that don’t smoke. When someone smokes, they expose themselves to many cancer-causing chemicals in the body. These harmful substances are absorbed through the lungs and carried in the bloodstream throughout the body.
Weak Immune System: The immune system is important in slowing down the growth and spread of cancer cells. The HPV infection clears itself within 12 – 18 months if you have a healthy immune system. This decreases the risks of cervical cancer.
HPV infection: Human papillomavirus is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer.
Diets: Women whose diets are low in fruits and vegetables are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases put you at a risk of getting cervical cancer.
Getting annual pap smears, quitting smoking, eating healthy and practicing safe sex are all important steps that you can take to reduce your chances of getting cervical cancer.
Gert Coetzee, Pharmacist and diet pioneer who founded The Diet Everyone Talks About encourages women to be aware of cervical cancer risk factors so that they can take the necessary steps in preventing them. Below he gives us a list of foods that can help you prevent cervical cancer when added to your diet.
Salmon: Salmon is great for preventing cervical cancer as well as other types of cancer. It is an excellent source of omega 3-fatty acids – healthy fats that have a protective effect against cancer.
Asparagus: Asparagus is one of the foods that contain the highest concentration of glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant which can contribute to a reduced risk of cervical cancer.
Garlic: Garlic contains vitamins B6 and C, manganese and selenium which are all nutrients that can help fight off cancer growth in the body.
Brussel Sprouts: Brussel sprouts contain indole-3-carbinol (I3C). I3C has been shown to have anti-estrogenic activities and antioxidant properties which may help prevent cervical cancer. This makes them a good addition to list of super foods that can help you fight off cervical cancer.
Carrots: Carrots have strong antioxidant properties that can help prevent cervical cancer. They also contain falcarinol which is a natural compound that is highly effective in preventing the development of cervical cancer.
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