Risk Factors For Cervical Cancer Research Articles

Extended Genotyping to Stratify the Risk of CIN2+ in Women with Persistent HPV Infection, Negative Cytology and Type 3 Transformation Zone

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is recognized as a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Women with persistent HPV and negative cytology are at greater risk of CIN2+ than women with negative infection. The diagnosis becomes more complicated when the woman has a type 3 transformation zone at colposcopy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CIN2+ in women with persistent HPV, negative cytology and TZ3; how to stratify the risk of CIN2+; and what the best diagnostic strategy is, given TZ3. Methods: In a multicenter retrospective cohort study, we enrolled women with negative cytology and TZ3 among the 213 women referred for colposcopy for persistent HPV. The average age of the women was 53 years; in particular, 83% were postmenopausal women. In the presence of a TZ3, the entire transformation zone cannot be explored, making colposcopy and targeted biopsy useless and inadequate, with great risks of underdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. Women with TZ3 underwent diagnostic LEEP to ensure correct diagnoses. Results: The study highlighted 19% (16/84) of CIN2+ lesions, a higher frequency of non-HPV 16/18 genotypes (76.2%), and 50% of CIN2+ lesions being due to non-HPV 16/18 genotypes. Furthermore, more than half of the women (80.9%) had normal histopathological results in the LEEP sample. Conclusion. Women with viral persistence, negative cytology, and TZ3 have a 19% risk of CIN2+; genotyping helps stratify risk, but extensive genotyping is necessary instead of partial genotyping (16/18), referring to a population of women over 50 years old in which the prevalence of genotypes 16,18 decreases and the prevalence of other genotypes increases; diagnostic LEEP is excessive (only 16 cases of CIN2+ out of 48 cases treated), even though 83% of women had viral clearance after LEEP; p16/Ki67 double staining could be a potential risk marker, which would only highlight women at risk of CIN2+ to undergo LEEP. To individualize the diagnostic workup and treatment and minimize the risk of under diagnosis and overtreatment, future studies should explore the use of extended genotyping and new biomarkers for individual risk stratification.

Correlation study of serum lipid levels and lipid metabolism-related genes in cervical cancer

ObjectiveLipid metabolism plays an important role in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lipid metabolism and the development of cervical cancer, and to explore the prognostic significance of lipid metabolism-related genes in patients with cervical cancer.MethodsInitially, we retrospectively collected data from 1589 cervical cancer patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, with 1589 healthy individuals from the physical examination center serving as the control group. The correlation between their serum lipid levels and cervical cancer was analyzed. Subsequently, leveraging public databases, we conducted comprehensive studies on lipid metabolism-related genes. Additionally, we analyzed RNA expression profiling and clinical information sourced from TCGA and GTEx databases. Finally, we established a prognostic model integrating 9 genes associated with lipid metabolism and generated a nomogram model using R. GO and KEGG were performed to explore the functions and pathways of lipid metabolism-related genes.ResultsOur findings revealed that patients with cervical cancer exhibited dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C, alongside reduced HDL-C levels compared to controls (P<0.05). Interestingly, compared with early-stage patients, advanced patients had lower HDL-C level and higher LDL-C level. Regression analysis further highlighted high TC, TG, and LDL-C as significant risk factors for cervical cancer. Then a total of 188 lipid metabolism-related genes were identified and a prognostic signature based on 9 genes was established and validated. The results of the GO and KEGG functional analysis indicated that the lipid metabolism-related genes are primarily concentrated on pathways associated with fatty acid metabolism.ConclusionOur study underscores the varying degrees of dyslipidemia observed in patients with cervical cancer, emphasizing the relevance of serum lipids in disease development. Our prognostic riskScore model predicted the overall survival time of patients based on 9 genes associated with lipid metabolism. These 9 genes may be tumor biomarkers and new targets for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Population Based Electronic Surveillance Tool to Identify Risk Factors for Developing Cervical Cancer- A Study Protocol

Background: Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, with well-established risk factors. Population-based electronic surveillance tools offer a promising avenue for identifying risk factors associated with cervical cancer development way before it becomes an actual concern for a woman. The objective of this study is to understand and to support the app- based decision-making tool for identifying risk factors of cervical cancer for the women between 30-60 years of age. Method: The study will be conducted in the selected Sampoorna Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) clinics at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP). A rigorous review of database was conducted to summarize the evidence on informatics available for early identification of cervical cancer app. An app-based decision- making tool will be developed to identify and detect the high- risk population developing cervical cancer. The app then will be shared with health workers at Sampoorna clinics and will be capacitated for using it to collect real time data. Conclusion: The utilization of a population-based electronic surveillance tool will facilitate the identification of various risk factors contributing to cervical cancer development. The methodology process will help to comprehend the analysis providing the insights. This approach has the potential to enhance targeted interventions, public health policies, and personalized screening programs to mitigate the burden of cervical cancer. The objective of this paper is to understand and to support the design of dashboards for creating transparency and accountability.

An observational study to assess awareness of cervical cancer among the adult women of field practice area of urban health training center in Kolkata

Background: Cervical cancer is a major public health problem, especially worldwide. Lack of awareness about the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and danger signs has led to a rise in the prevalence of the disease in countries like India. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the awareness of cervical cancer and its risk factors among the adult female population residing in the urban slum of Kolkata Municipal Corporation area and their attitude toward the disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 720 adult female residents of the field practice area of the urban health training center of NRS Medical College using a predesigned pretested questionnaire. Results: In the current study, 58.3% of subjects were married at <18 years of age and 38.3% with >2 children. A significant association was found among inter-menstrual bleeding and persistent low back pain with a family history of cancer, persistent vaginal discharge, and postmenopausal bleeding with education, dyspareunia showed significant association with age, education, and family type, heavy menstruation with religion. Furthermore, the association between postcoital bleeding with education and blood in the urine or stool with marital status was found to be significant. A significant association was found between confidences about noticing a symptom with marital status (P<0.05). Conclusion: Unsatisfactory knowledge about cervical cancer among adult women in an urban slum poses the risk of the disease. Awareness of risk factors of cervical cancer, along with early diagnosis and treatment, can decline the burden of the disease.

The level of medical students' knowledge regarding the prevention of cervical cancer.

In Palestine, cervical cancer is the third most common gynaecological cancer, exhibiting higher mortality rates compared to regional counterparts. Late-stage diagnosis and limited awareness contribute to this disparity. This study aims to assess the awareness of Palestinian medical students regarding cervical cancer prevention. A questionnaire-based survey involving 532 medical students from various Palestinian universities was conducted between October 2023 and December 2023. The survey encompassed closed-ended quantitative and demographic questions distributed through social media. The study was carried out on a group of 532 medical students (66.3% women and 33.6% men), (average age 21.7years). Most students (77.7%) knew that the main risk factor for cervical cancer was human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Participants doing the internship had the greatest knowledge, whereas students from the first year had the poorest knowledge about the main risk factors for cancer of the cervix. Only about half, 50.2% of all students, knew that in Palestine, there is no screening program. 84.4% of students correctly indicated that the cervical cancer screening test is a pap smear test. 41.4% of respondents knew that microscopic evaluation of the exfoliated cells from the vaginal part of the cervix is the screening test for cervical cancer which is used. Only about half of the students (45.1%) knew that there were no specific early symptoms of cervical cancer. This study highlights the need for enhanced education, particularly regarding screening program awareness, among Palestinian medical students. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial for effective preventive strategies.

Understanding of cervical cancer, acceptability of HPV self-collection, and prevalence of HPV in a semi-urban setting in Bangladesh.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling has been implemented successfully as an alternative to traditional forms of cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings. Through Bangladesh's current national cervical cancer screening program, only about 10% of the at-risk population is reached. Thus, Bangladesh is an ideal setting to consider HPV self-sampling to improve cervical cancer prevention efforts. However, the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-sampling has not been evaluated in Bangladesh. We aimed to understand levels of HPV and cervical cancer knowledge and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in a semi-urban Bangladeshi community. Participants were recruited from a local clinic; 164 women completed a cross-sectional questionnaire about attitudes towards screening, and cervical cancer and HPV risk factor knowledge, and provided self-collected cervical samples for high-risk HPV testing. Of the participants, 4.3% tested positive for high-risk HPV and were referred for appropriate follow-up care. Nearly all participants had heard of cervical cancer, though specific knowledge was quite low. Self-sampling for high-risk HPV testing had high rates of acceptability, high rates of convenience, and very little discomfort and embarrassment reported in this study population, making implementing HPV self-sampling as a form of cervical cancer screening in Bangladesh appear feasible.

Cervicovaginal microbiota: a promising direction for prevention and treatment in cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is a common malignancy in women, with high incidence rate and mortality. Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Cervicovaginal microbiota (CVM) plays an essential role in the defense of HPV infections and prevention of subsequent lesions. Dominance of Lactobacillus is the key of CVM homeostasis, which can be regulated by host, exogenous and endogenous factors. Dysbiosis of CVM, including altered microbial, metabolic, and immune signatures, can contribute to persist HPV infection, leading to cervical cancer. However, there is no evidence of the causality between CVM and cervical cancer, and the underlying mechanism remains unexplored. Considering the close correlation between CVM dysbiosis and persistent HPV infection, this review will overview CVM, its role in cervical cancer development and related mechanisms, and the prospects for therapeutic applications.

Impact of HPV Vaccination on the Incidence of High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN2+) in Women Aged 20-25 in the Northern Part of Norway: A 15-Year Study.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally, is a key risk factor for high-grade cervical lesions and cervical cancer. Since 2009, HPV vaccination has been part of the national immunization program for girls in 7th grade in Norway (women born 1997 and later). This study aimed to assess the impact of HPV vaccination on the incidence of high-grade cervical precursors (CIN2+) among women aged 20-25 in Troms and Finnmark over a 15-year period. In this time series study, we analyzed cervical screening data from 15,328 women aged 20-25 in Troms and Finnmark, collected between 2008 and 2022. Statistical methods, including linear and logistic regression, were employed to evaluate changes in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and worse (CIN2+) incidence and compare risks between vaccine-offered cohorts and pre-vaccine cohorts. The incidence of CIN2+ initially increased from 31 cases per year in 2008 to 110 cases in 2018, then significantly decreased to 44 cases per year by 2022 (p < 0.01). Women in pre-vaccine cohorts had a substantially higher risk of CIN2+ (OR 9.02, 95% CI 5.9-13.8) and CIN3+ (OR 19.6, 95% CI 7.3-52.6). Notably, no vaccinated women with CIN2+ tested positive for HPV types 16 or 18. Furthermore, none of the 13 cervical cancer cases recorded during the study were from the vaccinated cohorts. The findings suggest a significant reduction in the incidence of high-grade cervical precursors following the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Norway's national immunization program, highlighting its effectiveness in cervical cancer prevention among young women in Northern Norway.

Prevalence of Trichomonas Infection in Relation to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Pap Smear Samples of Female Patients Referred to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd (Iran).

Objectives Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections have been proposed as risk factors for cervical cancer. This study has been conducted with the aim of investigating the prevalence of TV and its relationship with HPV in women who underwent Pap smear testing as part of cancer screenings. Materials and methods The sampling of liquid-based cervical tissue was conducted among 500 women referred to the women's clinic of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd, Iran. The studied samples were examined for Pap smear tests and microscopic identification of TV, as well as HPV-DNA detection and the determination of high-risk and low-risk HPV types by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The results were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24 (Released 2016; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) software. Results The individuals included in the study were 16-72 years old. The prevalence rate of TV infection in this population was found to be 29.2%, and the frequency rate of HPV was reported to be approximately 19.4%, with high-risk HPV, including HPV-56, having the highest frequency. The Pap smear test results were reported as abnormal in 20.2%, anda significant correlation was observed between HPV infection and an abnormal Pap smear test (P < 0.05). In addition, a notable correlation was detected between TV infection and high-risk and low-risk HPV (P < 0.05). Conclusion According to the significant relationship found between the two pathogens, TV and HPV, in the abnormal Pap smear test results, TV infection can be considered a risk factor for HPV infection, as well as uterine lesions and cancer.

Early age at menarche and history of sexually transmitted infections significantly predict cervical cancer screening uptake among women aged 25–49 years: evidence from the 2021 Côte d’Ivoire demographic and health survey

IntroductionCervical cancer is the second dominant type of cancer among Ivorian women with an estimated age-standardised incidence and mortality rate of 31.2 cases and 22.8 deaths per 100,000 women in 2020, respectively. The Ivorian government through its Ministry of Health implemented the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in 2003 with the aim of improving the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancers in Côte d’Ivoire. Yet, there is a low uptake of CCS (1.2%). Thus, making CCS uptake an important public health concern in the country. Understanding of the extent to which reproductive factors predict CCS uptake is limited in literature. This study aimed to investigate reproductive factors as a predictor of women’s uptake of CCS in Côte d’Ivoire.MethodsData from the 2021 Côte d’Ivoire Demographic and Health Survey. A sample of 9,078 women aged 25–49 years were analyzed. The outcome variable was CCS uptake while other variables considered included age at menarche, history of STI, sexual debut, parity, age, educational level, wealth index, health insurance, place of residence, and media exposure. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to examine the association between the outcome of interest and predictors at 95% confidence interval.ResultsApproximately, 7.52% of women aged 25–49 years had ever undergone testing for cervical cancer by a healthcare provider. Early menarche was associated with lower odds of CCS uptake [AOR = 0.78; CI = 0.65–0.95]. Compared to those who had no STI, women with a history of STI were more likely to screen for cervical cancer [AOR = 2.63; CI = 2.02–3.42]. Increasing age, higher educational attainment, having health insurance, and being exposed to media were significantly associated with CCS uptake.ConclusionIn Cote d’Ivoire, age at menarche and STI history constitute reproductive factors that were significantly associated with women’s uptake of CCS. It is imperative for public policy to focus on increasing CCS in these higher-risk women (i.e., women who experienced early menarche, women with early sexual debut and higher parity) through increased sensitization on cervical cancer risk factors.

A Comprehensive Integration of Data Regarding the Correlation of TNF-α rs1800629 Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Cervical Cancer.

Cervical cancer, globally, ranks as the runner-up among the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting women. The role of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) polymorphism in the susceptibility to cervical cancer has been a subject of interest. However, the current evidence regarding this association remains inconclusive. To address this uncertainty, eligible studies were systematically searched and retrieved from various databases including Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang database. The search was conducted until September 01, 2023. The collected literature was then subjected to independent analysis by two authors. The pooled odds ratio along with the corresponding 95% confidence interval was calculated using different genetic models. Additionally, sensitivity and cumulative analyses were performed to assess the stability of the obtained results. A total of 29 case-control studies involving 8850 cases and 9286 controls were included in the present analysis. The findings revealed that the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism increased the risk of cervical cancer under the allele genetic model (A vs. G: OR = 1.277, 95% CI = 1.104-1.477, P = 0.001) in the general population. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity demonstrated that this polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in Caucasian and African women, but not in Asians. Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on country of origin indicated a significant correlation between the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and an increased risk of cervical cancer in American and Chinese women, but not in Iranian women. The findings from this meta-analysis suggest that the TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism is a risk factor for cervical cancer in the general population, particularly in Caucasian and African women. However, further well-designed studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Cervical cancer in Thailand: 2023 update.

Cervical cancer continues to pose a challenge to the health of Thai women, as the second most common cancer after breast cancer. Since high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) type is the main cause for cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination is necessary to reduce the incidence of this disease. At present, the World Health Organization hopes to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer to 4 or less cases per 100,000 women per year using 90-70-90% intervention by 2030. The first intervention involves vaccinating 90% of women aged 15 years with the HPV vaccine. The second intervention involves screening 70% of women between the ages of 35 and 45 years using a high-performance screening test. The third intervention involves detecting cervical lesions in 90% of affected women to enable diagnosis and treatment. In this context, this study reviews trends in the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Thailand, in addition to providing an up to date overview of the causes and necessary risk factors for cervical cancer, as well as reporting on cervical screening and HPV vaccination rates and cervical cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study may prove useful for the formulation of policy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in Thailand, such as the implementation of a free HPV vaccine service (recommended for women aged 26 or below) and providing at-home kits for cervical cancer screening through clinics and pharmacies. In addition, this review also highlights the need for further research on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on cervical cancer screening rates in Thailand.

Pap smear in Early Detection of Cervical Precancerous Lesions in Erbil

Background and objectives: Cervical cancer remains common. This may be because Iraq has no cervical cancer screening or human papilloma virus vaccination program. The goal of the study is to figure out how well the Pap smear works as a way to find cervical precancerous lesions also identify the prevalence of cervical cancer among women and to identify the potential risk factors for cervical cancer. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted using closed end questionnaire tool for the purpose of data collection which started from 1st of October 2021 until 1st of September 2022. Convenient type of sampling was used in collecting data which include 470 women attending to cervical screening unit in Maternity Teaching Hospital, Erbil, Kurdistan Region /Iraq. The questionnaire composed of two main parts including the socio-demographic data of the patients such as age, gender, occupation, education level, religion, income status, age at the marriage, duration of marriage…etc. The result of pap smear and cone biopsy performed during colposcopy procedure to match the accuracy of pap smear. Results: The findings revealed that 36% of the women aged between 40-49 years, the majority (80%) of them were married at the age of 15-24 years, 30% of their marriage lasted from 4-14 years, and most (72.6%) of them were housewives. The result of sensitivity, accuracy, positive and negative predicted value was equal to 45.6%, 97.7%, 80%, 89.9% respectively. The kappa test was 0.52 which indicate agreement between screening and gold standard test is a diagnosis of cervical cancer is still colposcopy-guided biopsy, which is then staged on the basis of the clinical examination and the outcome of imaging procedures, most obtained results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Pap smear had a lower sensitivity, but a higher specificity in the current study. The most common complaint of the women was post-coital bleeding. Severe acute cervicitis was the most common finding for the Pap smear.

The Risk of Cervical Cancer in Women Among Han, Bai, Dai and Hani Ethnic Minorities in Yunnan Province of China.

Research on the risk factors for cervical cancer in Yunnan Province's four characteristic ethnic groups (Han, Bai, Dai, and Hani) is lacking. To study the risk factors of cervical cancer in four ethnic women in Yunnan Province, and to provide evidence for its prevention. The cervical cancer patients of Han, Bai, Dai and Hani ethnic groups in Yunnan Province who were first diagnosed in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center) from January 2011 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects. The 1:1 matched case-control study method was used, and single factor and conditional logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. HPV types 16, 18 and 58 are mostly related with cervical cancer, the younger the age of the last pregnancy, the more times of pregnancy, childbirth and abortion, especially the younger the first marriage age of Bai and Dai, are the risk factors of cervical cancer; the infection of genital tract bacteria, mycoplasma and chlamydia is closely related to the incidence of cervical cancer in four ethnicities. Multifactorial analysis showed that demographic characteristics and environment/behavior were not included in the influencing factors of cervical cancer; among Han, Bai, Dai and Hani ethnic minorities, contraception (OR=0.29, OR=0.03, OR=0.09, OR=0.16, P<0.05) was positive factor, HPV infection (OR=64.77, OR=128.71, OR=71.89, OR=40.07, P<0.01) was a causative factor of cervical cancer. Risk of high parity with cervical cancer could be due to a complex interplay of factors, it is very important to formulate prevention strategies and measures in line with the cervical cancer of Han, Bai, Dai and Hani ethnic groups women in Yunnan Province.

An Observational Study On Cervical Cancer In Sri Lanka And Its Prevention And Management

Background: Cervical cancer is a major health concern worldwide, with significant prevalence in Sri Lanka. Despite being preventable through early detection and vaccination, the disease continues to cause high morbidity and mortality among Sri Lankan women, primarily due to late diagnosis and inadequate access to treatment and preventive measures. Methods and Materials: This observational study employs a cross-sectional design to collect data from a representative sample of Sri Lankan women, using structured questionnaires and interviews. The study aims to determine the prevalence of cervical cancer, identify risk factors, assess awareness and preventive practices, and explore challenges in treatment and prevention. Statistical analysis will be performed on the collected data to achieve these objectives. Results: The study is expected to provide detailed insights into the prevalence and risk factors of cervical cancer in Sri Lanka, along with the current state of awareness and preventive measures among women. It will also highlight the barriers to effective treatment and prevention, guiding future strategies. Conclusion: The findings of this study will significantly contribute to understanding the impact of cervical cancer in Sri Lanka, offering evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community to improve cervical cancer prevention and management strategies, with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence and mortality rates of the disease in the country.

Awareness about cervical cancer risk factors and its prevention among female healthcare professionals in north India

Cervical cancer stands as the second most prevalent cancer among women in the reproductive age bracket. According to Globocan 2020, there were 604,100 newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer worldwide, resulting in 341,831 fatalities. In India, there are 436.76 million women aged 15 and older who face the risk of developing cervical cancer. To explore the basic knowledge of cervical cancer, its risk factors, and preventive measures among female healthcare professionals and medical students.A cross-sectional study among all 205 female healthcare providers comprising of doctors, medical students (1st, 2nd &amp; 3rd-year MBBS), and nurses was conducted at Gautam Buddha Chikitsa Mahavidyalaya, Jhajhra, Dehradun, in December 2023. Google Forms platform was used to conduct the pre-composed online survey. Data was entered and analyzed with SPSS software version 26.A maximum number (141) of participants identified HPV infection as a risk factor for cervical cancer followed by multiple sexual partners (137) while 41.95% of subjects knew about early pregnancy as a risk factor for cervical cancer. Knowledge of risk factors for cervical cancer is highest among doctors followed by nurses and students. 81.95% of participants knew that cervical cancer is preventable and screening helps in the prevention of cervical cancer.Regular upgradation of knowledge of female nursing personnel is crucial since women tend to seek advice from them more often. Similarly, HPV and cervical cancer should be strategically incorporated at the beginning of the medical curriculum.

Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Attitude Toward Cervical Cancer Screening Among the First-Year School of Midwifery Students in FMC Nguru, North-Eastern Nigeria

Cervical cancer occurs due to Infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and subsequent integration of the HPV genome into the host chromosome of cervical epithelial cells. The viral proto-oncogenes, mainly E6 and E7, are responsible for the initial changes in the epithelial cells of the transformation zone of the cervix. The viral proteins inactivate two main tumor suppressor proteins, p53, and retinoblastoma (pRb). Inactivation of these host proteins disrupts both the DNA repair mechanisms and apoptosis, leading to rapid cell proliferation. Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer among women worldwide, it ranked 14th among all cancers worldwide. There are 500,000 new cases of cancer of the cervix annually, and about 250,000 mortalities all over the world from cervical cancer. About 80% of all these cases occur in low-income countries. In Nigeria, there are 12,075 new cases of cervical cancer and 7,968 deaths due to cervical cancer per year. The study was a cross-sectional type aimed at exploring the knowledge of the participants on cancer of the cervix and their attitude toward cervical cancer screening using a semi-structured questionnaire in FMC Nguru. Results: The total number of participants was 29(n=29). The mean age of the respondents was 20.9 +/-2. 8SD. Concerning the knowledge of cervical cancer among the participants, 27(93.1%) heard of cervical cancer. Most of the respondents do not know the cause of cervical cancer, as only 10(34.5%) know that cervical cancer is associated with HPV. The risk factors for cervical Cancer are not known by most of the respondents as 14(48.3%) agreed that having a relative who had the disease is a risk factor, while only 10(34.5%) agreed that HPV is a cause of the pathology. There was poor knowledge regarding the presentation of cancer of the cervix, abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most popular way of presentation known by 13(44.8%) of the respondents while only 8(27.6%) know that cervical cancer can present with bleeding after sexual intercourse, five of the respondents (17.2%) showed smelling vaginal discharge as the mode of presentation, dysuria by only 2(6.9%). A good number of the participants know about cervical screening 26(89.7%). Twenty-eight respondents (96.6%) are willing to go and have themselves screened for cervical cancer if they are asked to do so, and 27(93.1%) will advise some other people to go for the screening. A good number of the respondents, 27(93.1%) are aware that cancer of the cervix can be prevented. Conclusion: The students had a good awareness of cervical cancer and cancer of the cervix screening and had a positive attitude toward having themselves screened whenever the chance was available, and also had a positive attitude toward being willing to convince other people to go for the screening, but demonstrated less knowledge on cervical cancer causes, risk factors and mode of presentation. Hence there is a window of opportunity to deliver more health education to the students and by extension to the larger population.

Exploring genetic associations of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with extraintestinal cancers in European and East Asian populations.

Previous studies have reported associations of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) with the risks of extraintestinal cancers, but the causality remains unclear. Using genetic variations robustly associated with CD and UC extracted from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as instrumental variables. Nine types of extraintestinal cancers of European and Asian populations were selected as outcomes. We used the inverse variance weighted method as the primary approach for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to evaluate the reliability of our findings. In the European population, we found that CD showed a potential causal relationship with pancreatic cancer (OR: 1.1042; 95% CI: 1.0087-1.2088; P=0.0318). Meanwhile, both CD (outliers excluded: OR: 1.0208; 95% CI: 1.0079-1.0339; P=0.0015) and UC (outliers excluded: OR: 1.0220; 95% CI: 1.0051-1.0393; P=0.0108) were associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk. Additionally, UC exhibited a potential causal effect on cervical cancer (outliers excluded: OR: 1.1091; 95% CI: 1.0286-1.1960; P=0.0071). In the East Asian population, CD had significant causal effects on pancreatic cancer (OR: 1.1876; 95% CI: 1.0741-1.3132; P=0.0008) and breast cancer (outliers excluded: OR: 0.9452; 95% CI: 0.9096-0.9822; P=0.0040). For UC, it exhibited significant causal associations with gastric cancer (OR: 1.1240; 95% CI: 1.0624-1.1891; P=4.7359×10-5), bile duct cancer (OR: 1.3107; 95% CI: 1.0983-1.5641; P=0.0027), hepatocellular carcinoma (OR: 1.2365; 95% CI: 1.1235-1.3608; P=1.4007×10-5) and cervical cancer (OR: 1.3941; 95% CI: 1.1708-1.6599; P=0.0002), as well as a potential causal effect on lung cancer (outliers excluded: OR: 1.1313; 95% CI: 1.0280-1.2449; P=0.0116). Our study provided evidence that genetically predicted CD may be a risk factor for pancreatic and breast cancers in the European population, and for pancreatic cancer in the East Asian population. Regarding UC, it may be a risk factor for cervical and breast cancers in Europeans, and for gastric, bile duct, hepatocellular, lung, and cervical cancers in East Asians. Therefore, patients with CD and UC need to emphasize screening and prevention of site-specific extraintestinal cancers.

Knowledge of cervical cancer screening among Omani women attending a university teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer and Pap smear screening among Omani women attending a tertiary clinic in Muscat, Oman, and to establish correlations with selected sociodemographic factors.MethodsAn observational, cross-sectional study was carried out among Omani women aged 18–50 years old attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, from October 2019 to February 2020. A validated Arabic-language questionnaire was utilized to collect data regarding the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, their knowledge of cervical cancer and related risk factors, and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer screening and Pap smear testing.ResultsOf the 380 respondents, 86 and 55% had previously heard of cervical cancer and Pap smear testing, respectively; however, only 26% were knowledgeable concerning these topics. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with various sociodemographic factors, including marital status and a previous awareness of cervical cancer (odds ratio: > 1, p < 0.05). Only 21% had themselves previously undergone Pap smear testing; however, 75% reported being willing to undergo such screening in future.ConclusionsKnowledge regarding cervical cancer-related risk factors and Pap smear screening was poor among a cohort of Omani women attending a tertiary clinic in Muscat, Oman. This may play a role in the increased frequency of cervical cancer cases observed in Oman over recent years. As such, a well-structured public education program is recommended to raise awareness of this issue.

Association of Genetic Polymorphisms in Base excision Repair Pathways and Cervical Cancer Risk Factors in a Tertiary Care Centre

Background and Objective: Cervical cancer is one of the most frequent neoplastic disorders affecting women, with about half a million new cases diagnosed globally each year. Reduced DNA repair capacity (DRC) is linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly cervical cancer. DNA repair gene polymorphisms may play a role in genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Cervical cancer is linked to a number of risk factors that have been verified. The goal of this study was to compare genotypes of DNA repair genes XRCC1-194, XRCC1-280, XRCC1-399, and XRCC3-241 with distinct histological subtypes in patients and controls.Material and Methods: To test this theory, 168 cervical cancer patients with histological confirmed cases and 184 healthy control women was inducted in the study. For genotyping we used CTPP method (Arg194Trp, Arg280His, and Arg399Gln &amp; XRCC3-T241M). Results: A positive association was observed between the polymorphisms of XRCC1 genes, that is, in codons 194 [P=0.03, odds ratio (OR) =2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI)=5.2–1.1], 280 (P=0.01, OR=4.1, 95% CI=11.5–1.3), and 399 (P=0.01, OR=3.4, 95% CI=8.6–1.3) in cervical cancer As well as risk factor like early age of pregnancy, high number of parity are also likely to be contributing in disease development.Conclusion: Our results suggested that, XRCC1399 gene is an important candidate gene for susceptibility to cervical cancer. Although the sample size was small, the present study indicate a statistical association between cervical cancer and XRCC1 SNPs. Future studies are needed that may provide a better understanding of the association between gene polymorphism and cervical carcinoma risk factors are assessed.