From the Research
Patients diagnosed with cervical cancer should follow conventional medical treatments recommended by their healthcare providers, which typically include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches depending on the cancer stage. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, highlights the importance of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments in cervical cancer patients to improve patients' outcome and minimize treatment-related morbidity. While bergamot contains compounds like flavonoids and limonoids that have shown some anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies, these findings have not translated to proven clinical benefits for cervical cancer patients. Some people use bergamot as a complementary approach through aromatherapy or tea consumption, but it should never replace standard medical care. If interested in using bergamot alongside conventional treatment, patients should first consult their oncologist, as certain natural products can interfere with cancer medications or treatments.
Key points to consider in the management of cervical cancer include:
- Early detection through regular Pap tests and HPV vaccination remain the most effective strategies for cervical cancer prevention 2
- Treatment modalities include surgery for early-stage disease, radiation therapy for locally advanced disease, and pelvic exenteration, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy for recurrent disease 3
- The choice of therapy depends on the stage of disease, lymph node involvement, patient comorbidities, and risk factors for recurrence 2
- Recent advances in targeted therapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates, may offer new treatment options for patients with cervical cancer 4
It is essential to prioritize conventional medical treatments and consult with an oncologist before using any complementary therapies, including bergamot, to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize potential interactions with cancer medications or treatments.