[6 MIN READ]
In this article:
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Learn what kinds of foods you should be eating to avoid cancer — both general food categories and specific foods.
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To lower your risk of cervical cancer, try to limit foods that are heavily processed and therefore have low nutritional value.
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Providence also offers nutrition counseling for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Not only does the food you eat contribute to your overall health, but it also can specifically protect you from certain types of cancer — a win-win for your body.
Take cervical cancer, for example. You might be aware of it as a women’s disease that is often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease. But did you know that even if you contract HPV, the foods you eat can make a difference? “Certain foods help you build a strong immune system,” says Alyssa George, MA, RDN, a registered dietitian and the program manager for oncology nutrition at Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon. “Having a strong immune system helps your body fight the HPV infection and can help clear it out of your body.”
Foods that lead to a healthy cervix
In general, George says, the best way for cancer prevention through food is to focus on a plant-strong diet. “You should be choosing lean proteins and consuming plant fats as opposed to lots of animal fats like butter and lard,” she says.
But there are some foods that can keep your cervix healthy and help protect you from cancer.
Five foods for a healthy cervix
The following foods are loaded with nutrients that you need to protect your cervix:
- Winter squash
Squash is abundant in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that becomes vitamin A in the body; it makes the immune system strong and may lower the risk of cancer. “Beta-carotene gives squash its color, so you can also look for other orange or yellow vegetables to get beta-carotene into your diet,” says Providence physician Justine Bello, M.D., of Mission Heritage Medical Group. “Generally, the more vibrant color a piece of produce has, the more beta-carotene it has, too.”
2. Pink grapefruit
The key compound for cervical health here is lycopene. It belongs to the same carotenoid family as beta-carotene. “Lycopene, in supplement form, has often been used as a treatment option for people who have an HPV infection,” Dr. Bello says. “Cooked tomatoes can also provide plenty of lycopene.”
3. Broccoli
The B vitamin known as folate is commonly prescribed to women to ensure the health of their reproductive system during childbearing age. So, it follows that folate could also help keep the cervix in shape. “There may be a relationship between low folate levels and increased risk of HPV,” says George. For a double dose, pair spinach with a grain such as rice that’s been folate enriched.
4. Bell peppers
“Anyone who's ever popped a vitamin C tablet to fight off a cold knows this antioxidant is strong at curing infections, and that same could be true for HPV infections — and the faster those can be cleared out, the better,” Dr. Bello says. “Vitamin C also is great at maintaining a healthy immune system, which can be key to preventing HPV infections.”
5. Spinach
Like vitamin C, vitamin E also has antioxidant properties thought to keep the body strong and healthy. “Spinach is an all-around great choice for women, as it's got many of these nutrients, plus others as well,” Dr. Bello says. “Steaming spinach so it’s cooked can also help the body better absorb the nutrients.”
Foods to avoid for a healthy cervix
Just as there are foods that can decrease your risk for cancer and help clear an HPV infection, so, too, there are foods that can increase your risk.
“I would say that you should try to limit the amount of processed foods in your diet,” says George. “Those foods tend to have a lower nutritional value, which means they won’t give your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs.”
Among the processed foods you should avoid:
- Frozen pizzas
- Sugary drinks
- Processed meats, such as hot dogs and bacon
- Canned and instant soups
- Fast food
- Candy
Healthy eating during cancer treatment
But what about if you are already undergoing treatments for cervical cancer or another kind of cancer? George, who spends much of her time working with cancer patients, says it’s important to make decisions on an individual basis.
“In a perfect world, I would want you to continue to focus on that plant-based diet,” she says. “But the reality is that people often don’t feel well. A high priority during cancer treatment is to maintain a person’s weight, with lots of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats.”
If you experience nausea or diarrhea, she says, when you eat is just as important as what you eat — in this case, you should eat small amounts of food throughout the day.
Whether you’re trying to avoid cervical cancer or manage your diet while you’re fighting it, Providence oncology nutritionists are here with you every step of the way.
Contributing caregiver
Alyssa George, MA, RDN, is the program manager for oncology nutrition at Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon.
Justine Bello, M.D., is a Providence physician with Mission Heritage Medical Group.
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Related resources
Robotic vs. open surgery for cervical cancer
Why regular health checks are vital for women in their 40s
How to help prevent yourself from cancer
Prevention is key to cancer treatment
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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