Cancer risk of preinvasive adenocarcinoma

The project investigates the risk of developing cancer in women with preinvasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

Change in glandular cells can develop into cancer

The cervix consists of different cell types that have different functions. Among these we find glandular cells and surface cells.

Cancer that arises from glandular cells in the cervix is called adenocarcinoma.

It may take a long or short time for cancer to develop. During this time, health care providers can compare glandular cells to see if any have changed.

If they see changes, the altered cells are called adenocarcinoma in situ.

Adenocarcinoma accounts for about 20% of cervical cancers. There is limited knowledge about adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ, but we know that an infection with HPV types 16 or 18 is a risk factor.

Will investigate lifestyle as a risk factor

The aim of this study is to investigate whether possible lifestyle factors also pose a risk of developing adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ.

Lifestyle factors deal with sexual history, smoking, alcohol consumption, and STDs.

Data from 2 population-based surveys conducted in Norway, Denmark and Sweden in 2005 and 2012 will be linked to the Cancer Registry's database to identify cases of adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ among the participants. Lifestyle factors of these participants will be examined.

Project participants

Mari Nygård og Madleen Orumaa.

The project is funded by the Cancer Registry of Norway.