Correlation analysis on risk factors for cervical cancer in perimenopausal women.

Objective: To analyze the risk factors for cervical cancer in perimenopausal women.

Methods: The data of 380 cervical cancer patients and 380 healthy individuals undergoing physical examinations at the Health Management Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, between April 2022 and March 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. The baseline information, genetic characteristics, medical records (both past and present), menstrual cycles, healthy conditions of the reproductive system, and sexual activities of patients in the cervical cancer patient group and healthy control group were compared. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential risk factors and to comprehensively assess the impact of these factors on the prevention of cervical cancer.

Results: Participants in the healthy control group showed a significantly lower age for first intercourse, first marriage and first pregnancy compared to those in the cervical cancer patient group. The proportions of married participants and those with a high school degree or above were higher in the healthy control group than those in the cervical cancer patient group. Additionally, the proportion of participants without a history of genetic diseases or any other diseases was significantly higher in the healthy control group than that in the cervical cancer patient group (P<0.05). The number of participants with regular menstrual cycles was significantly higher and the incidence of dysmenorrhea markedly lower in the healthy control group in comparison to the cervical cancer patient group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the number of participants with only one pregnancy experience was higher and those with an abortion history was lower in the healthy control group than those in the cervical cancer patient group (P<0.05). Notably, more participants in the healthy control group preferred using contraception, underwent regular gynecological examinations and washed their external genitalia before sexual intercourse when compared to the cervical cancer patient group. Moreover, the healthy control group also had a higher proportion of participants who had sexual intercourses less than 4 times a week and who manually washed their underwear in comparison to the cervical cancer patient group (P<0.05). In addition, a total of 11 risk factors were identified to be in association with cervical cancer, which were human papillomavirus (HPV) testing (OR = 30.326), presence of reproductive system symptoms (OR = 27.605), dysmenorrhea (OR = 26.470), washing external genitalia before intercourse (OR = 0.430), passive smoking (OR = 16.119), duration of heating in winter (OR = 0.444), physical exercises (OR = 0.272), consumption of fried foods (OR = 8.240), vegetable intake (OR = 0.933), alcohol consumption (OR = 5.468), and consumption of chili peppers (OR = 4.797), listed in the order of their influential power.

Conclusion: Perimenopausal women should have a regular screening for cervical cancer during their hospital visits. More than that, they can seek to avoid risk factors in their daily life to prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer.