Association between Cervical Cancer and Dietary Patterns in Colombia

Abstract

Cervical cancer is a global public health problem. It is the second leading cause of death among women of childbearing age worldwide. Several factors, including diet, have been shown to influence the risk of persistent HPV infection and tumor progression. This paper determines the relationship between dietary patterns and cervical cancer. It is an ecological study of multiple groups, based on two national sources: the High-Cost Account and the National Survey of Nutritional Situation of Colombia of 2015. The population consisted of 3472 women aged 35 to 64. The incidence of cervical cancer was used as the dependent variable while the independent variables included food consumption according to established patterns, area of residence, age, physical activity, and BMI, among other variables. The statistical analysis performed through associations between variables was evaluated by multiple linear regression using R2. 38.9% of the evaluated population belonged to the first quartile of wealth, and 76.5% resided in the municipal capital. The incidence of cervical cancer in Colombia was associated with being affiliated to a state-subsidized health regime and having diabetes mellitus. A conservative eating pattern, as well as belonging to a rural area, are evidenced as protective factors. These results invite the need to encourage public policies and promote healthy lifestyles.