Strawberries, Blueberries and Raspberries hold compounds that may help protect women against cervical and breast cancer, find researchers at the U.S. Agricultural Service.

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women, affecting one out of 40 women over age 40, while breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths overall. Scientists are looking for ways to fight illness by identifying healthy chemicals in foods called nutraceuticals.

Biologists found that blueberry and strawberry extracts significantly decreased the growth of laboratory-grown cervical cancer cells by 77 to 81 percent. Blueberries proved more potent against breast cancer growth than strawberries did -- 54 percent growth decrease compared to 34 percent.

"This research should provide important data and help clarify anticancer and nutraceutical benefits of small fruits," says researcher David Wedge. The scientists reported their findings in Agricultural Research magazine.