Can Antioxidants Help Protect Against Cervical Cancer?

THURSDAY, Aug. 20, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Could a diet rich in antioxidants help women lower their risk of cervical cancer?

A new study suggests these compounds may play a role in preventing the disease, the fifth-most commonly diagnosed cancer in women globally.

A team led by Maozhu Lang of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College in Beijing analyzed data from more than 1,000 U.S. women who took part in national health and nutrition surveys between 2003 and 2018. Some had a history of cervical cancer. Others did not.

Researchers looked at their intake of vitamins A, C and E, zinc, selenium and carotenoids — antioxidants found in foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

The result: Those with the highest antioxidant intake had nearly 56% lower prevalence of cervical cancer compared to those with the lowest intake.

High-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV, are the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.

Researchers say these findings suggest antioxidants may help protect against HPV-related progression to cervical cancer.

But it's important to note the study only found an association and does not prove cause and effect.

The authors say more investigation is needed to confirm the link and understand what may be driving it.

The findings were published Aug. 19 in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics.

More information

The Mayo Clinic has more about antioxidants.

SOURCE: HealthDay TV, Aug. 20, 2026