A population-based study of cervical carcinoma and HPV infection in Latvia

OBJECTIVES: We wished to quantify the population-based importance of cervical carcinoma risk factors in Latvia. METHODS: Totally, 223 of 224 eligible cases of incident invasive cervical carcinoma were enrolled during July 1998-February 2001 in Latvia. An age-matched sample of 300 healthy control women was selected from the Latvian population registry and 239 of these women (79%) were enrolled. A demographic and life-style questionnaire was completed, cervical brush samples were analyzed for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA by PCR and serum samples for HPV antibodies. RESULTS: Risk factors for cervical cancer in multivariate analysis were HPV type 16 or 18 DNA positivity (OR = 32.4; CI 95% 16.5-63.6) and living in the capital (OR = 2.4; CI 95% 1.2-4.7). Oral contraceptive use was not a risk factor (OR = 0.4; CI 95% 0.2-1.1). A strong protective effect was found for having had more than three Pap smears in the last 5 years (OR = 0.07 CI 95% 0.03-0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate population coverage of Pap smears, in spite of excessive smear usage, caused 28.4% of cervical cancers in age groups eligible for screening. HPV type 16 infection was the most important risk factor for cervical cancer in Latvia, with a population-attributable risk percent for all ages of 58.5%.     

Cofactors in human papillomavirus infection and cervical carcinogenesis

Objective

This study aimed to identify the effect of various risk factors as the promoters of HPV infection, and to identify which HPV-positive women may have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

Methods

Smear preparations were examined and classified according to the Bethesda system. HPV-DNA detection and genotyping was carried out using polymerase chain reaction combined with reverse hybridization line-probe assays. Age, smoking habit, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, number of term births, contraceptive method, progesterone therapy, history of sexually transmitted diseases, history or existence of warts and existence of cervical infection were recorded.

Results

642 women (96 women with abnormal cervical cytology and 546 women with normal cytology) provided cervical samples. Smoking habit, number of sexual partners, number of term births, history of sexually transmitted diseases, history or existence of warts and existence of cervical infection were identified as the promoters of HPV infection. History of sexually transmitted diseases, history or existence of warts and existence of cervical infection were identified as cofactors affecting progression from HPV infection to cervical cancer. Neither of contraceptive methods studied was related to HPV infection or coexistence with malign transformation to cervical cancer.

Conclusion

Information gathered from this study could be used to prioritize limited screening and treatment services to woman who have specific characteristics that may put them at an increased risk of HPV infection. Additionally, by identifying which women have a higher risk of cervical cancer; it may be possible to reduce the number of unnecessary colposcopies.     

Human papillomavirus frequency of women at low risk of developing cervical cancer: a preliminary study from a Turkish university hospital

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among low-risk women for cervical cancer in our region. METHODS: In one year period, 230 consecutive women at low risk of developing cervical cancer were enrolled to the study. HPV DNA testing was performed by Hybrid Capture-I System (HC-I) and groups were constituted by HPV-positive and HPV-negative women. A comparison of the groups according to age, obstetric history and age at the beginning of sexual intercourse was made. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The frequency rate of HPV infection was demonstrated to be 6.1% (n = 14) in our study (5.9% in women < or = 45 years and 7.7% in women > 45 years). Age-dependent differences were not observed between groups. There was no significant difference between HPV-positive and negative women regarding obstetric characteristics and mean age at first intercourse. CONCLUSION: This study provided significant information on the frequency of HPV infection of low-risk women in our region. When considered with studies performed in other countries, our study may give some help on the natural history of HPV infection and cervical squamous lesions.     

西藏自治区妇女子宫颈人乳头状瘤病毒感染现状调查及相关因素分析

目的 了解我国西藏自治区妇女宫颈人乳头状瘤病毒(HPV)感染率和亚刑分布及与HPV感染相关的因素.方法 于2007年8月,采用整群抽样的方法对西藏自治区拉萨、日喀则和那曲3个地区的3036例妇女进行流行病学问卷调查和HPV DNA分型检测,并对与HPV感染相关的因素进行单因素及多因素分析.结果 3036例妇女中,HPV感染患者为279例,总感染率为9.19%(279/3036),其中高危型HPV、低危刑HPV和HPV复合感染率分别为7.05%(214/3036)、2.14%(65/3036)和1.32%(40/3036);不同年龄、民族、地区妇女间HPV感染率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).HPV感染的亚型中,HPV16(1.52%)最常见,其次为HPV33(1.42%)、58(1.22%)、52(1.15%)和31(1.05%);不同年龄妇女巾,HPV感染的亚型分布也略有不同.单因素分析显示,婚姻状态、初次性生活年龄和妊娠次数为影响HPV感染的危险因素(P<0.05).多凶素分析表明,吸烟(P=0.027)、性伴侣数(P=0.198)和初次性生活年龄(P=0.237)为影响HPV感染的独立危险因素.结论 两藏自治区妇女官颈HPV感染率低于国内外平均水平,其最常见的亚型为HPV16.影响HPV感染的独立危险因素为吸烟、性伴俏数和初次性牛活年龄.     

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer by Histology

A case-control study in four Latin American countries enabled assessment of risk factors for different histologic types of invasive cervical cancers, with the main analyses focusing on 667 patients with squamous cell cancers and 43 with adenocarcinomas. The epidemiology of the squamous cell tumors resembled that found in other studies, namely a high risk associated with multiple sexual partners (RR = 1.5 for 2 vs 1), early ages at first intercourse (RR = 2.3 for <16 vs 20), history of a sexually transmitted disease (RR = 1.8), multiple births (RR = 2.2 for 7 vs 1-3), absence of prior Pap smear screening (RR = 3.0 vs Pap within 24 months), detection of HPV DNA (RR = 3.6), and limited years of schooling (RR = 1.9 for <4 vs 7). The adenocarcinomas appeared less affected by sexual, reproductive, or socioeconomic factors. There was no relationship with age at first intercourse, history of a sexually transmitted disease or education, and only marginal associations with number of sexual partners or parity. Absence of prior Pap smear screening as well as detection of HPV DNA, however, were associated with relationships equally strong as those for the squamous cell tumors. Oral contraceptive use distinctly affected risk of the adenocarcinomas, increasing risk by approximately two-fold. Analyses of the 18 subjects with adenosquamous cancer suggested some resemblance to the squamous cell tumors, especially with respect to the role of sexual and sociodemographic variables. These findings support the need for detailed studies of etiologic differences between the different histologic types of cervical cancers, with all emphasis on careful pathologic review and precise measurement of HPV.     

Is early first intercourse a risk factor for cervical cancer?

Sexual behavior has long been known to be a risk factor for cervical carcinoma. Certain sexual risk factors are related to an increased risk of chronic infection of the cervical transformation zone with high-risk human papilloma viruses (HPVs). Numerous retrospective analyses consider early first intercourse a probable risk factor for later development of cervical carcinoma. Since risk factors are associated, it is unclear whether early first intercourse is an independent risk factor for cervical neoplasia. Few comprehensive retrospective studies are available. It is possible that the cervical transformation zone is particularly vulnerable to infection between menarche and the age of sixteen. During this phase there are a large number of undifferentiated cells at the periphery of the metaplasia, practically at the surface of the cervix. It seems that this area is particularly susceptible to HPV infection. There are also indications that there is no secondary immune response to HPV at the time of early first intercourse, making the immune response to HPV less efficient. Other possible risk factors for cervical cancer include genetic predisposition, nutrition, smoking, Chlamydia or HSV-2 infections, drug abuse, oral contraception, immune suppression and early first pregnancy. Education appears important to encourage responsible sexual behaviour in young people.     

Prevalence and risk factors for human papillomavirus DNA in cervical cytology

Objectives

This study aimed to detect the presence and prevalence of HPV-DNA in the cervical swab samples obtained from patients with cervical cancer, premalignant cervical lesions and benign cervical smear results, and to identify the potential risk factors influencing this prevalence.

Study design

Smear preparations were examined and classified according to the Bethesda system. HPV-DNA detection and genotyping was carried out using polymerase chain reaction combined with reverse hybridization line-probe assays. Age, smoking habit, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, number of term births, contraceptive method, progesterone therapy, history of sexually transmitted diseases, history or existence of warts, existence of cervical infection and the history of circumcision of male sexual partners were recorded.

Results

Six hundred and forty-two women (96 women with abnormal cervical cytology and 546 women with normal cytology) provided cervical samples. Multiplex PCR testing revealed that prevalence of HPV-DNA was 38.9% in our study population. HPV-DNA was detected in 78.3% of the women with cervical cancer and 76.9% of the women with HGSIL. Abnormal cervical cytology was observed in 30% of HPV-DNA positive cases and in 5.4% of HPV-DNA negative cases. Our findings also indicate that smoking habit, number of sexual partners, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and abnormal cervical cytology were associated with HPV infection. With respect to parity, there was a decreased risk of HPV infection with the increase in the number of births.

Conclusions

Estimates of the prevalence of HPV infection vary greatly around the world, so the factors that contribute to the rare occurrence of cervical cancer after HPV infection might also differ from country to country. Information gathered from this study could be used to prioritize limited screening and treatment services given to woman who have specific characteristics that may put them at an increased risk of HPV disease.     

Sociodemographic and clinicopathologic characterization of cervical cancers in northern Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sociodemographic and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with cervical cancer seen in a tertiary referral center in northern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2004, 70 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed cervical cancer, with a median age of 48 years (range, 30-75 years), were interviewed on the basis of a structured pro forma. RESULTS: Of these patents, 39 (56%) had had no formal education, and 36 (51%) were unemployed housewives. Sixty (86%) had become sexually active before 17 years of age; 44 (63%) were in polygamous families, and 25 (36%) patients were in at least a second marriage. There was an average of 6.8 live births per patient. Vaginal bleeding was seen in all patients, and 55 (79%) had vaginal discharges; 50 (71%) had a bulky cervical mass, and 46 (66%) presented with at least Stage IIIA disease. Squamous cell carcinoma was the commonest histology. The three HIV-seropositive patients were young and had advanced disease. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic factors, such as low socioeconomic level, early age at first sexual intercourse and multiple sexual partners, place women at high risk of developing cervical cancer in northern Nigeria. Late presentation with advanced disease predominates.     

Persistent HPV infection in postmenopausal age women.

OBJECTIVE: Persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with an increased risk of developing cervical SIL and cancer in young women. Because this association in older, postmenopausal age women has received little attention, we evaluated persistence of HPV among women in this age group. METHODS: Women (n=105) ages 45-64 were examined annually for 7 years to evaluate HPV in cervical cytologic specimens. PCR, dot blot hybridization and DNA sequencing were used to detect HPV types. RESULTS: The cumulative prevalence of HPV was 34%, and 24% had HPV high-risk oncogenic types which are associated with genital cancers. The most common oncogenic types were HPV-16 (72%) and HPV-31 (16%). The persistence rate of HPV infection was 16%. No specific risk factors were associated with repeat viral positivity. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women are infected with persistent oncogenic HPV at a substantial rate, supporting the need for continued screening in postmenopausal women to detect preneoplastic genital lesions.     

Human papillomavirus type 18 and other risk factors for cervical cancer in Jakarta, Indonesia

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) has now been established as a necessary cause of cervical cancer. Indonesia is a country with a high cervical cancer incidence and with the world's highest prevalence of HPV 18 in cervical cancer. No information exists about the prevalence of HPV 18 or other HPV types in the Indonesian population. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study in Jakarta, Indonesia. A total of 74 cervical carcinoma cases and 209 control women, recruited from the gynecological outpatient clinic of the same hospital, were included. All women were HPV typed by the line probe assay, and interviews were obtained regarding possible risk factors for cervical cancer. HPV was detected in 95.9% of the cases and in 25.4% of the controls. In the control group, 13.4% was infected with a high-risk HPV type. HPV 16 was detected in 35% of the case group and in 1.9% of the control group and HPV 18 was identified in 28% of the case group and in 2.4% of the control group, suggesting that the oncogenic potentials of HPV 16 and HPV 18 in Indonesia are similar. In addition to HPV infection, young age at first intercourse, having a history of more than one sexual partner, and high parity were significant risk factors for cervical cancer. Within the control group, we did not identify determinants of HPV infection. We hypothesize that the high prevalence of HPV 18 in cervical cancer in Indonesia is caused by the high prevalence of HPV 18 in the Indonesian population.     

Factors predicting intermediate endpoints of cervical cancer and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in young women screened as potential targets for prophylactic HPV vaccination in south of Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictors of intermediate endpoints of cervical cancer in 500 women living in Porto Alegre. STUDY DESIGN: Five hundred randomly selected women (mean age 20.3 years, range 15-25) were screened using PCR detecting 25 HPV types (HPV6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, and 74). Women were interviewed and serum samples were analysed for antibodies to HPV16 and HPV18 VLPs. Regression models were constructed to analyse predictive factors for (a) HPV PCR status, (b) HPV16-seropositivity, (c) HPV18-seropositivity, and (d) SIL in the PAP smear, used as intermediate endpoints of cervical cancer. RESULTS: Specific HPV types were identified in 137 (27.4%) of the 157 (31.4%) PCR-positive women. PAP test result was the most powerful independent predictor of HPV status in PCR (p = 0.0001), followed by the sexual activity started (p = 0.001) (adjusted OR 34.075, 95% CI: 4.650-249.715). PAP test SIL was independently predicted only by the HPV PCR status (p = 0.0001) (OR 7.561, 95% CI: 2.787-20.514). HPV16 and HPV18 serostatus were the most significant predictors of each other (p=0.0001), and the life-time number of sexual partners was more significant (p=0.001) predictor of HPV16 than HPV18 serostatus (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: These data are useful in evaluating the exposure status of the women to the risk factors of cervical cancer in south of Brazil.     

High-risk human papilloma virus prevalence and its relation with abnormal cervical cytology among Turkish women

In this study we aimed to investigate high-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) prevalence among Turkish women. Cervical samples were collected from 501 women for cytological screening and hrHPV testing by Digene Hybrid Capture 2. hrHPV prevalence and its relation with cytological results and epidemiologic data were analysed by SPSS. The prevalence of hrHPV was 4.2% (21 of the 501 women). Women with abnormal cytological screening results have significantly higher risk of hrHPV positivity compared with women with normal cytological results (19% vs 3.5%) (p ≤ 0.01). The incidence of HPV infection was only associated with the number of sexual partners, but there was no association with age, contraception methods or age at the first sexual intercourse. The prevalence of hrHPV among histological-confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, CIN 2 and normal cases were found as 37.5%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The prevalence of cervical hrHPV infection is 4.2% in our population and this rate seems lower than reported rates from other regions. According to further studies with a larger sample size, reflex cytology based on hrHPV positivity should be considered for our national cervical cancer screening programme.     

Shanxi Province Cervical Cancer Screening Study: a cross-sectional comparative trial of multiple techniques to detect cervical neoplasia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to design a cervical cancer screening algorithm for the developing world that is highly sensitive for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II, III, and cancer and highly specific for CIN II and III, making it possible to ablate the transformation zone without histologic confirmation. METHODS: In rural Shanxi Province, China, we examined 1997 women ages 35-45. Each subject underwent a self-test for intermediate and high-risk HPV (by HC-II assay), fluorescence spectroscopy, a liquid-based Pap (read manually and by computer and used as a direct test for HPV), a visual inspection (VIA) diagnosis, and colposcopy with multiple cervical biopsies. RESULTS: Mean age was 39.1 +/- 3.16 years, mean number of births was 2.6 +/- 0.93. Based on tests administered, 4.3% subjects had > or =CIN II. All subjects with > or =CIN II had either a ThinPrep Pap (> or =ASCUS) or a positive HPV direct test. The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of > or =CIN II were, respectively, 83 and 86% for the HPV self-test, 95 and 85% for the HPV direct test, 94 and 78% for the ThinPrep Pap (> or =ASCUS), 77 and 98% for the ThinPrep Pap (> or =HGSIL), 94 and 9% for fluorescence spectroscopy, 71 and 74% for VIA, and 81 and 77% for colposcopy. CONCLUSION: Based on these data and the existing healthcare infrastructure in China, we believe that further refinement of primary HPV screening using centralized labs is indicated. Self-testing in the local villages may be effective with improvements in the devices and techniques.     

Genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1, p21, p53 and HPV infection with cervical cancer in Korean women

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether GSTM1 or GSTT1 might be associated with risk of cervical cancer development in Korean women. The multiplicative interaction of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype with p21, p53 polymorphism, and HPV genotype was also investigated. METHODS: From 1997 to 1999, uterine cervical carcinoma was diagnosed in 215 Korean women at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Seoul National University Hospital. None of the women in the control groups (n = 98) had any evidence of cervical lesions, which were confirmed by Pap smear. Finally, 81 cases and 86 controls were genotyped for p21, p53, and GSTM1 and T1 and HPV infection. A multiplex PCR method was used for the genotyping of GSTM1 and GSTT1; direct sequencing for p53 codon 72, high-risk HPV, and PCR-RFLP (BsmAI) for p21 codon. The unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate ORs and 95% CI. RESULTS: Although the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype was not significantly associated with cervical cancer development for all women, the GSTM1 null genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer development in women with high-risk HPV infection (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.0-8.2). Although the frequency of overall GSTT1 null genotype was significantly lower in cervical carcinoma patients with high-risk HPV infection (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-1.0), almost 2-fold increased risk was observed among women with GSTT1 null and Arg/Arg genotype (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 0.7-5.4). Although the cervical cancer risk was 3.3-fold increased in women with null and Arg/Arg genotype compared to women with GSTM1 present and p21 Ser-containing genotype, there was no significant multiplicative interaction between GSTM1 and p21 (P for interaction = 0.785) or p53 (P for interaction = 0.815). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the risk of cervical cancer may be related to GSTM1 genotype in women with high-risk HPV infection and that there is a possible gene-gene interaction in the incidence of cervical cancer.     

子宫颈癌组织中人乳头状瘤病毒16 E6 mRNA表达与survivin蛋白表达的相关性

目的探讨宫颈癌组织中人乳头状瘤病毒(HPV)16E6mRNA表达与survivin蛋白表达的相关性。方法采用半定量PCR技术和免疫组化链霉菌抗生物素蛋白-过氧化物酶连接法,检测慢性宫颈炎、宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)及宫颈癌共148例患者宫颈组织中HPV16E6mRNA及survivin蛋白的表达。结果148例患者中,HPV16阳性共37例,其中慢性宫颈炎5例、CINⅠ6例、CINⅡ～Ⅲ11例及宫颈癌15例。慢性宫颈炎、CINⅠ、CINⅡ～Ⅲ及宫颈癌组织中,HPV16E6mRNA的表达水平分别为0.3±0.4、0.6±0.4、1.8±0.6及2.4±0.6;survivin蛋白阳性表达率分别为7%、31%、63%及84%。CINⅡ～Ⅲ及宫颈癌组织中,HPV16E6mRNA的表达水平及survivin蛋白阳性表达率均显著高于慢性宫颈炎及CINⅠ组织,两者比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01)。宫颈癌组织中,HPV16E6mRNA的表达水平与survivin蛋白阳性表达率呈显著正相关关系(γs=0.62,P<0.05)。结论HPV16E6mRNA的表达水平与宫颈病变的进展有关,survivin蛋白阳性表达率升高可能与宫颈癌的发生、发展密切相关。     

10年宫颈腺癌住院患者发病趋势及临床特点分析

目的:探讨10年来宫颈腺癌住院患者发病趋势及临床特点。方法:2006年1月至2016年5月北京大学第一医院确诊为宫颈腺癌并符合研究标准的住院患者99例,回顾性分析诊断途径、肿瘤分期及细胞学、病毒筛查情况等临床特点。结果:(1)近10年腺癌的发病比例呈现上升的趋势,不同时期宫颈腺癌临床分期差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)宫颈腺癌排在前3位的临床症状为阴道不规则流血、性生活后阴道流血、阴道分泌物异常,分别占37.37%(37例)、34.34%(34例)和8.08%(8例)。症状就诊组与体检就诊组比较后发现,宫颈腺癌临床分期、肿块直径、肌层浸润程度差异有统计学意义(P0.05),而分化程度、病理类型、淋巴结转移、手术切缘等比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。(3)宫颈腺癌细胞学筛查仍以鳞状细胞改变为主(42.19%),HPV检测中最常见型别为HPV18,占36.21%(21/58),17例(29.31%)HPV检测阴性。HPV阴性患者与阳性患者比较,宫颈腺癌肿块直径、肌层浸润及脉管癌栓差异有统计学意义(P0.05),而发病年龄、病理类型、分化程度、临床分期、手术切缘及淋巴结转移比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:宫颈腺癌发生率逐年上升,但部分宫颈腺癌患者在筛查中表现为细胞学及HPV阴性,容易被漏诊,应提高对宫颈腺癌患者筛查的关注。     

Epidemiology of preinvasive lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Review of epidemiological data on pre-invasive cervical lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Literature review and analysis of data from our Department. RESULTS: Prevalence of data on preinvasive cervical lesions varies widely and depends on factors such as differences among countries or regions and among ethnic groups, and especially, differences in the type of population studied. Most important risk factors are: number of sexual partners, smoking, contraceptive use, HPV, age at first intercourse, and screening. CONCLUSIONS: In order to reduce risk, pap smears should be performed regularly, safe sex practices should be recommended, and the use of tobacco products should be avoided.     

A population-based study of squamous cell vaginal cancer: HPV and cofactors.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the etiology of in situ or invasive squamous cell cancer of the vagina. It is thought that some vaginal cancers may have the same etiology as cervical cancer. It is also not known whether in situ and invasive vaginal cancer share the same etiologic factors. We conducted a study to evaluate risk factors for in situ and invasive vaginal cancer and their potential relationship to prior exposure to human papillomaviruses (HPV). METHODS: A population-based case-control study included 156 women with squamous cell in situ or invasive vaginal cancer diagnosed between January 1981 and June 1998 and 2041 control women identified through random-digit dialing in western Washington state. Cases and controls were interviewed in person and provided blood samples; archival tumor tissue was retrieved for cases. Blood samples were tested for antibodies to HPV, and tumor tissue was tested for HPV DNA. RESULTS: Women with vaginal cancer were more likely to have five or more lifetime sexual partners (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.9 to 4.9), to have an early age at first intercourse (<17 years OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.5), and to be current smokers at diagnosis (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.1) than control women. Approximately 30% of all cases had been treated for a prior anogenital tumor, most often of the cervix. Prior hysterectomy was a risk factor only among women who had no history of prior anogenital cancer (OR = 3.9 95% CI 2.5 to 6.1). Antibodies to HPV16 L1 were strongly related to risk of vaginal cancer (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 3.0 to 6.2). We detected HPV DNA in tumor blocks from over 80% of the patients with in situ and 60% of the patients with invasive cancers. CONCLUSIONS: In situ and invasive vaginal neoplasia have many of the same risk factors as cervical cancer, including a strong relationship to HPV infection. Women who have been treated for a prior anogenital cancer, particularly of the cervix, have a high relative risk, although low absolute risk, of being diagnosed with vaginal cancer.     

Prevalencia del virus del papiloma humano en una muestra de población urbana en la ciudad de Zaragoza

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in an urban population in the city of Zaragoza (Spain).Subjects and methodsWe studied HPV infection in 298 patients attending female genital cancer screening and contraception clinics in the city of Zaragoza. Patients with abnormal cytological results in the 6 months prior to the beginning of the study and those who had received treatment for this reason were excluded. All patients underwent a personal interview on lifestyle and antecedents, a Pap smear, and cervical swabs for HPV DNA detection using a Hybrid Capture II technique. Statistical analysis was performed using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, χ² test and logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of HPV infection in the population studied was 10.6%. The main risk factors for HPV infection were the mean number of sexual partners per month in the previous year (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.05-3.42; p < 0.01) and the mean frequency of vaginal sexual intercourse per month in the previous year (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.09-2.96; p < 0.01).ConclusionDetermining the prevalence of HPV in each environment and risk factors for infection can be useful in identifying risk groups and adopting strategies to prevent this infection.     

Comparative analysis of characteristics of women with cervical cancer in high- versus low-incidence regions

OBJECTIVE: To identify particular characteristics that might help explain the markedly higher rate of invasive cervical cancer in southern China as compared with Australia. METHODS: One hundred eighty-five women with cervical cancer were recruited between 1999 and 2001: 106 from Guangzhou and Changsha (southern China), and 79 from Sydney (southeast Australia). Demographic and risk factor information was obtained by questionnaire; clinicopathologic data were extracted from hospital records. The human papillomavirus (HPV) status of cancer biopsies was ascertained by consensus PCR assays, direct sequencing and/or Amplicor trade mark hybridisation. RESULTS: The mean age of the Chinese was significantly lower than the Australians (44 versus 53 years), although mean age at first sexual intercourse was similar. Australian women were more likely to smoke, to report multiple sexual partners and to have a history of sexually transmitted diseases (but not of genital warts). However, they were better educated, were more frequent users of barrier contraception and were far more likely to report regular Pap smears before diagnosis. The HPV positivity rate of Chinese cancers (83%) was less than Australian tumours (90%); but HPV 16 and 18 were the most common genotypes in both populations (59% and 77%), and predominated in cancers from younger women. HPV types 58 or 59 were amplified from 12 (14%) of the Chinese but from only one Australian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cancer is not only more common in China but also develops at a younger age than in Australia. While significant differences in some risk factors were observed, the much lower participation in cervical screening in southern China is likely to be of greatest consequence.