Study Examines Link Between Smoking and Cervical Cancer

A study under way at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) aims to determine if a woman can reduce her risk of cervical cancer by quitting smoking. “Women who smoke are more likely to develop cervical dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition that progresses in stages as abnormal cells grow on the surface of the cervix," says Paul Greene, Ph.D., associate professor with UAB's Division of Preventive Medicine. “The study will find out if women who quit smoking are less likely to progress from mild dysplasia to severe dysplasia and cervical cancer.”

November 13, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A study under way at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) aims to determine if a woman can reduce her risk of cervical cancer by quitting smoking. “Women who smoke are more likely to develop cervical dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition that progresses in stages as abnormal cells grow on the surface of the cervix," says Paul Greene, Ph.D., associate professor with UAB's Division of Preventive Medicine. “The study will find out if women who quit smoking are less likely to progress from mild dysplasia to severe dysplasia and cervical cancer.”

A team of behavioral and biomedical scientists are conducting the study, called the Women’s Intervention to Stay Healthy (WISH) program, to examine the relationship between changes in smoking habits and the progression of cervical dysplasia. "Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco smoke accumulate in the cervix," says Greene. "These chemicals may directly influence the progression of cervical dysplasia that eventually leads to cancer. The study will give us a better understanding of how behavioral risk factors, like smoking, bring about changes at the cellular level that can lead to cervical cancer.”

The program is enrolling 220 women who smoke and have had an abnormal pap test showing mild dysplasia. Standard medical follow-up for mild dysplasia is provided at no charge to all women in the program. Half of the women are receiving medication and behavioral counseling as soon as they enroll to help them stop smoking. The other half will be offered the same medication and counseling after being in the program for 18-months.

"We work closely with each woman to encourage health behaviors that can reduce cervical cancer risks,” says Greene. All women enrolled in the program are given a comprehensive medical evaluation every six months to monitor changes in cervical dysplasia. Women attempting to stop smoking meet with counselors to develop an individualized program to help them change smoking habits and cope with urges to smoke.

Women interested in the program may call the toll-free WISH hotline at (877) UAB-WISH for more information.

NOTE: The 24th annual Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 16. The event, organized by the American Cancer Society, encourages smokers to give up cigarettes for 24 hours in hopes they will quit forever. Along with helping adults quit, the Smokeout focuses on helping children and teenagers understand why they should not start smoking.