Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer does not develop quickly. The affected cells take years to develop into cancer. Cervical cells that have begun to show changes, but are not yet cancerous, may be called pre-cancerous cells, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or Cervical Dysplasia. These pre-cancerous cells do not display any symptoms. More than 90% of pre-cancerous cells can be detected by a simple procedure known as a Pap Smear, making Cervical Cancer highly preventable. Every women who has ever had sex should have a Pap Smear every 2 years, even if she has only had one partner or does no longer have sex.

Cause
The risk factors for Cervical Cancer include:
- Age at first intercourse. The younger the woman, the greater the risk.
- Multiple sexual partners.
- Sexual relations with a man who has had multiple partners.
- Infection with the human papilloma virus, which causes genital warts. About 80% of sexually active women will contract the virus during their lives, but not all of these will develop cervical changes.
- Smoking.
- The oral contraceptive pill may be associated with a higher risk of human papilloma virus.

Signs and symptoms
Cervical Dysplasia does not cause any symptoms and can only be detected through microscopic examination of the cells, following a Pap smear. Once Cervical Cancer has developed, the following symptoms may occur:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding, usually after intercourse. This may be mistaken for menstruation or breakthrough bleeding in women on the oral contraceptive pill.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge, as the cancer begins to destroy the healthy tissues.
- Pelvic pain, lower back pain and pain in the buttocks and upper legs may occur.
- In extensive cancers, problems may develop as the cancer spreads to surrounding organs. This may include urinary or bowel incontinence, significant vaginal bleeding, swollen legs and kidney failure.

Health care
Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical practitioner. Cervical Dysplasia is usually easily treatable and will not affect a woman's ability to become pregnant or have children.
- All women who have ever had sex should have a Pap smear every two years. Women who have had a previous abnormal smear, may be required to have smears more often.
- Cervical Cancer will require management by a team of specialists in gynaecological cancers. Treatment generally involves a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Diet tips
- The antioxidant lycopene may help protect against Cervical Cancer. Lycopene is found in ripe, red tomatoes and tomato-based products such as tomato sauce, pizza sauce and tomato juice.
- A high dietary intake of fresh fruits and vegetables may reduce the risks of developing Cervical Cancer.
- Consumption of dark green and yellow vegetables and fruit juices may reduce the risk of Cervical Cancer.
- Include garlic in the diet to help maintain healthy immune function.
- Choose a diet low in animal fats, sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Ensure adequate fibre intake.
- If you drink alcohol, limit your intake.

Vits/mins/herbs
Always consult your Doctor before taking any dietary supplements for advice on any possible side effects or drug interactions. This is particularly important during cancer therapy, as many chemotherapy drugs act by blocking the effects of certain vitamins.
- Low retinol levels may increase the risks of developing Cervical Cancer. Retinol levels can be increased by taking vitamin A supplements.
- The antioxidant lycopene may help protect against Cervical Cancer.
- Vitamin C and vitamin E have a protective effect against Cervical Cancer.
- Folic Acid may reduce the risk of Cervical Cancer, but should not be used by women who have developed Cervical Cancer except under the supervision of a Doctor. This is because the growth of certain cancers may be increased by folic acid.