Risk Factors for Cervical Dysplasia

Viruses and Cervical Dysplasia

Two classes of viruses are currently suspected of playing a causative role in cervical cancer, Herpes simplex type-II and the human papilloma virus (HPV). The latter has been detected in the cervix of patients with cervical dysplasia. Although these agents have been shown to be related to cervical dysplasia, it has not been determined whether they reflect decreased resistance or are themselves the causative agents.

HPV has been implicated as the primary cause of 90% of cervical cancers.

Smoking

Smoking has appeared to be the most significant environmental risk factor. It has been shown that the more you smoke, the higher your risk. Some studies have indicated that stopping smoking facilitated the regression of cervical cancer. Some ideas for this association include the following.

• Smoking may depress immune functions, allowing sexually transmitted agents to promote abnormal cellular development, leading to the onset of cervical dysplasia.
• Smoking is known to cause a vitamin C deficiency, as vitamin C levels are significantly depressed in smokers. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, essential in protecting cells against damage and for the functioning of the immune system.
• Vaginal or uterine cells may concentrate carcinogenic compounds from inhaled smoke.

The oral contraceptive pill

The use of oral contraceptives and the duration of their use appear to increase the risk and subsequent development of cervical dysplasia and neoplasia. Studies indicate that low levels of folic acid in the blood of women using oral contraceptives have a positive correlation with development of cervical dysplasia and neoplasia.

Researchers have demonstrated that oral contraceptives can cause an imbalance in the nutrient status of folic acid, B6, zinc and vitamin A, thereby leaving the tissues void of the nutrients that would otherwise protect them.

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