Cervical Cancer - Prevention

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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 case, the best approach for overall good health.

Review Date: 09/01/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.