Secondhand smoke exposure, diabetes, and high BMI 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, body mass index (BMI), and 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, BMI, and work schedule were assessed with participants' health interviews and health-related surveys. Results Two hundred sixty-two women (0.89%) in the sample were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Domestic secondhand smoke exposure, diabetes, and high BMI significantly increased cervical cancer risk. Respective odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were: 1.547 (1.042-2.297), 2.156 (1.535-3.027), and 1.036 (1.006-1.067). 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, and high BMI increase risk for cervical cancer. Keywords: KNHANES (Korea National Health and nutrition examination survey), Cervical cancer, Diabetes, BMI, Secondhand cigarette smoke