Antioxidant Vitamins and Cervix Cancer Prevention

Abstract

Cervix cancer is the third most frequent malignancy among women, although it presents one of the highest prevention and cure possibilities if early detected and appropriately treated. Its main etiological factor is the human papilomavirus (HPV) that induces cervix epithelium lesions, which can turn into precursor lesions or even invasive tumor. The dietetic factors play a major role as co-factors in the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN) and consequently of the cervix cancer. The main goal of this review study is to analyze the association of antioxidant vitamins and cervix cancer prevention, identify beneficial nutrients and its participation in the displasic lesions prevention. The antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A, C and E, present some beneficial properties in the prevention of the cervix cancer, especially in early stages of cervical carcinogenesis. Vitamin A, through carotenoids, has the capacity to inhibit the free radicals formation, and is also a powerful modulator of cellular differentiation, which protects against HPV development. Vitamins C and E can prevent carcinogens formation and can also improve immunity. Therefore, the nutritional therapy based on the use of antioxidant nutrients can be a preventive strategy for cervix cancer; this can give a new dimension to present oncological therapy, and allow better results in the management of this disease.