Invasive cervical cancer accounts for 11.6% of all cancers worldwide and is the second most common cancer among women. It is the most common cancer among women living in less developed countries. Although infection with oncogenic-type human papillomaviruses (HPV) is associated with most cases of cervical cancer, HPV infection alone is an insufficient cause of cervical cancer. Research from the last two decades suggests a role for nutrients in the prevention of cervical cancer. However, results from phase III folic acid and beta-carotene chemoprevention trials have been negative. Potential reasons for the lack of treatment effect are discussed within the context of cervical carcinogenesis.