Alimentación, tabaquismo e historia reproductiva como factores de riesgo del cáncer de cuello del útero Diet, smoking and reproductive history as risk factors for cervical cancer

Background: Epidemiological studies have suggested that smoking, nutrition and sexual patterns are major risk factors for cervical cancer. Aim: To study the association between food consumption patterns, smoking and sexual behavior and the risk of cervical cancer. Material and methods: A matched case control study of 170 cases and 340 controls. Food and nutrient intakes were assessed by a food frequency questionnaire considering 58 antioxidant rich food items. Median daily intake of vegetables, fruits, antioxidant vitamins and fiber was calculated. A conditional logistic regression model was used to determine odds ratios associated with variations in nutritional intake and no nutritional factors (age at first delivery, parity, body mass index, family history of cancer and smoking). Results: High intakes of vegetables, fruits, beta carotene, vitamin C, E and fiber were associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer (Odds ratios ranging from 0.56 to 0.78). The risk for cancer was inversely associated with the age at first delivery and directly associated with the total number of pregnancies and smoking. Multivariate analysis model showed a protective effect for vegetable and vitamin E consumption (odds ratio of 0.6 with confidence intervals of 0.5 to 0.8 p<0.001) and a higher risk associated to smoking (odds ratio 2.8, confidence intervals 1.5-5.5 p<0.002) and a younger age at the first delivery (odds ratio 3.37 confidence intervals 2-5.3 p<0.001). Conclusions: Cervical cancer is associated with reproductive and food consumption behaviors. A higher intake of vegetables and foods rich in vitamin E can reduce its risk (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 597-603)