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Research: SHANNON and colleagues, P
Listed in Issue 89
Abstract
SHANNON and colleagues, Portland VA Research Foundation, Oregon 97201, USA, shannoja@ohsu.edu, have investigated the dietary risk factors for cervical carcinoma in Bangkok, Thailand.
Background
Although infection with the human papilloma virus appears to be a necessary condition for the development of cervical cancer, most women infected with this virus do not in fact develop the disease. It seems reasonable to assume that there must be co-factors involved in the growth of cervical carcinoma. This study was conducted in order to assess the possible effects of dietary factors.
Methodology
A total of 184 inpatients with cervical cancer and 509 controls were recruited from clinics associated with the Siriraj hospital in Bangkok. They were administered a food frequency questionnaire and tested for human papilloma virus DNA in cervical cells. Odds ratios in relation to intake of foods high in vitamin C, folate, vitamin E, vitamin A, beta-carotene, retinol, and cruciferous vegetables were estimated. Logistic regression in case-control comparisons and in case-case comparisons adjusted for papilloma virus status was used.
Results
High intake of foods rich in vitamin A, and particularly high retinol foods, were associated with a reduced risk of in-situ cervical cancer and also, albeit less strongly, with a reduced risk of invasive as compared to in-situ cervical carcinoma. No association was found between the risk of cervical cancer and any of the other foods tested.
Conclusion
Increasing intake of foods high in vitamin A, particularly retinol (a form of vitamin A), may reduce the risk of in-situ cervical cancer, and at highest intake levels, reduce the risk of progression to invasiveness. If these results are confirmed by other researchers, they suggest a possible public health strategy to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
References
Shannon J, Thomas DB, Ray RM, Kestin M, Koetsawang A, Koetsawang S, Chitnarong K, Kiviat N, Kuypers J. Dietary risk factors for invasive and in-situ cervical carcinomas in Bangkok, Thailand. Cancer Causes and Control 13 (8): 691-699, Oct 2002.
