Major Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer in Northeast of Iran: Evidence from a Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer with various risk factors. In this study, we assessed different risk factors involved in invasive cervical cancer in the Northeast of Iran. Methods: In a case-control study, 99 patients with advanced cervical cancer were compared to 102 healthy, normal women. Cervical cancer risk factors were documented for these groups using a questionnaire and available medical notes. Univariate analysis was done for each risk factor, followed by multivariate regression analysis, to evaluate the most powerful risk factors after adjustment. Results: Multivariate model indicated that sexual transmitted diseases (STD) [p<0.001; OR=7.88, 95% CI (2.59-23.93)], age at first intercourse ≤16 [p=0.048; OR=6.22, 95% CI (1.06-36.51)] and age [p=0.001; OR= 1.11, 95% CI (1.04-1.18)] were independently significant risk factors for cervical cancer. Conclusion: According to this survey, the significant influence of major risk factors, including STD, age at first intercourse, and age itself, has been underlined. Moreover, increasing the social knowledge and educating people to prevent highrisk sexual behaviors, HPV testing, and routine use of HPV vaccine, which is nowadays regarded as a preventive measure in cervical cancer, may also be needed to be implemented in our prevention program.