Cervical Cancer - Prevention

Prevention

The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to avoid getting infected with human papilloma virus (HPV). Because HPV is sexually transmitted, practicing safe sex and limiting the number of sexual partners can help reduce risk. Vaccines are being developed that may protect against some cancer-causing HPV strains. Regular Pap tests remain the most effective way of preventing the development of invasive cervical cancer.

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

Several cervical vaccines are now in development. These vaccines target HPV 16 and HPV 18, the most dangerous strains of human papilloma virus. HPV 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancers. A vaccine called Gardasil has been tested in over 12,000 uninfected women in 13 countries and provided complete protection against HPV 16 and 18. Gardasil also protects against HPV 6 and HPV 11, which cause genital warts. However, even if this vaccine is approved, patients will need to receive regular screening tests because the vaccine does not protect against all HPV strains that can cause cervical cancer.

Patients in the Gardasil study received three vaccine shots over a six month period. Researchers think that the best time to vaccinate girls is before they become sexually active and risk being exposed to sexually transmitted viruses. Another type of cervical cancer vaccine (Cervarix) is also being investigated. It protects against HPV 16 and 18, as well as the cancer-causing strains HPV 31, 45, 52. It does not protect against genital warts.