Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent female cancers. Fortunately, more and more women are getting regular Pap smears and the rate of new cases has been dropping. Pap smears are extremely important because early stages of the disease produce no symptoms. When caught early, it is highly treatable. Herbal remedies to treat cancer are controversial and many conventional doctors frown on their use. However, there are some natural substances that show promise in helping to fight cervical cancer and are best used in conjunction with conventional treatments. The natural remedies can both fight the cancer directly and help with side effects of standard treatments. Always use caution and be sure to tell your doctor what you are taking. Many medical professionals are not trained in the use of natural medicine nor believe it has any value. If you are really interested in making this part of your treatment plan, you may want to find a doctor open to this and knowledgeable about its application.
Causes
A majority of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for genital warts. This virus creates precancerous abnormal cells in the cervix. Pap smears are vital because these cells can be easily detected and removed. If HPV is present, another factor that poses a risk is birth control pills. The hormones in the pills cause HPV to poison the p53 gene, which is responsible for destroying cancerous cells in the body. Other risk factors include STDs, infertility, more than five complete pregnancies, sexual intercourse before age 18, smoking and nutritional deficiencies.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, back and pelvic pain, and abnormally painful periods.
Stages and Treatment
Like most cancers, cervical cancer is classified into stages 0-4. Early stages of cervical cancer do not produce any symptoms. Cervical dysplasia is considered a precancerous condition where abnormal cells are present in the cervix and pose little risk if removed. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, a doctor may remove just part of the cervix up to the whole uterus and surrounding lymph nodes. Radiation and chemotherapy may be required. However, doctors try to avoid radiation treatment on younger women as it may cause menopause and infertility.
Herbal Treatments
The following list of natural remedies is suggested for use in conjunction with a conventional course of treatment.
Aloe: Take 1/3 cup three times a day. This will help the liver avoid processing certain carcinogenic toxins. Do not use if you suffer from diarrhea.
Astragalus: Take three pills a day at 500 to 1,000/mg each. Activates immune system to fight off HPV and activates p53 gene. Refrain from use if you have any skin infections or a fever.
Turmeric: Take twice daily between meals 250 to 500 mg. Activates the p53 gene.
Other Considerations
Antioxidants are known to fight off cancer cells. Increase your consumption of dark green and yellow vegetables and juices. A study of 2,189 women consuming these foods had a lower risk of invasive cervical cancer.
Quit smoking: Chemicals in cigarettes interfere with the immune system and weaken the body's ability to fight off HPV.
Folic acid supplements help keep cervical dysplasia in check in women who take birth control pills. During a particular study, 16 percent of women not taking the supplements worsened their condition, while none of the women taking the folic acid did.
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