CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION

Going for regular, routine smear tests will pick up any abnormal or pre-cancerous cells, thus reducting your risk of developing invasive cancer.

Using a condom gives some protection against contracting the strains of HPV that increase your risk of developing cervical cancer.

There is evidence to suggest that a diet high in beta-carotene, vitamin C and, to a lesser extent, vitamin A may reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Foods rich in beta-carotene include carrots, red peppers and other yellow or orange pigmented fruit and vegetables. Vitamin C rich foods include oranges and citrus fruits, tomatoes and potatoes. Meat, liver, fish, egg yolks and dairy products are all good sources of Vitamin A

A vaccine against HPV type 16 (the type most likely to contribute to the development of cervical cancer) has been developed and is undergoing trials at present. It will take time to show that this is effective in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer.