Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Cervical cancer is a venereal disease caused by the
human papilloma virus called HPV. Nineteen different strains of
HPV have been associated with cervical cancer. HPV-16 is the
most carcinogenic. As solid cancers grow, they produce
angiogenesis factors that increase blood flow to them to supply
nutrients and energy. Tobacco contains nicotine, a potent
angiogenesis factor. A study from Sweden shows that women
who smoke are far more likely to suffer cervical cancer than their
non-smoking counterparts (Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers &
Prevention, November 2006).
Researchers compared the medical records of 375
women who had cervical cancer to those of 363 women who did
not. Pap smears taken an average of nine years before cervical
cancer occurred showed which women were infected with HPV-
16. Blood tests showed the number of viruses in their
bloodstream. Smokers infected with HPV-16 were 14.4 times
more likely to suffer cervical cancer. Smokers with high blood
levels of HPV-16 were 27 times more likely to get cervical
cancer. Cervical cells undergo a series of changes as they pass
from normal toward cancerous, so all pre-menopausal women
should get yearly Pap smears. Check with your doctor.
January 15, 2007