Secondhand Smoke Exposure, Diabetes, Elevated Glucose Level Are Risk Factors for Uterine Cervical Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2018)

Background: Human papilloma virus infection and tobacco smoking are the major risk factors for cervical cancer. There are limited studies searching other risk factors for cervical cancer and the results are not consistent. This study investigated the relations between cervical cancer and possible risk factors, including secondhand cigarette smoke exposure, diabetes, work schedule. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 29,557 women completed a cervical cancer questionnaire and were selected using 2010–2018 data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Details in secondhand smoke exposure, diabetes, work schedule were assessed from participants’ health interviews and blood test results were used for fasting glucose level and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level.Results: Two hundred sixty-two women (0.89%) in the sample were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Domestic secondhand smoke exposure, diabetes, high fasting glucose level, and high HbA1c significantly increased cervical cancer risk. The respective odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were: 1.488 (1.002–2.207), 2.369 (1.713–3.274), 1.008 (1.005–1.009), and 1.304 (1.193–1.425). Weekly work hours and work schedule were not significantly related to cervical cancer incidence.Conclusion: Among Korean women, passive exposure to cigarette smoke at home, diabetes, elevated fasting glucose level, and high HbA1c level all increase risk for cervical cancer.