Role of NAT-1 gene polymorphism in the etiology and progression of cervical cancer

Abstract

Cervical cancer (or carcinoma of cervix) incidences show higher occurrence rate in women population residing in poor socio-economic and unhygienic conditions especially in rural areas. However implication of various effective screening and health programmes in western countries, the incidence of invasive cervical cancer has declined greatly. In spite of that, still today cervical cancer remains the most common cancer in women, next to breast and lung cancer, therefore a leading cause of death in India. Gene polymorphisms modify risk of developing cancer like urinary bladder, colorectal, breast cancer etc. The effect of NAT-1gene polymorphism on cancer risk varies with organ involved, reflecting tissue specific expression of these genes. Strong associations exist with cause and increased risk for development of cervical cancer in individuals carrying specific alleles among the population.