Australia; VIC
Women with autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease, had higher rates of low-grade cervical cell abnormalities, which could put them at higher risk of cervical cancer, according to an Australian study. The study matched cervical screening episodes to emergency department records for women with and without autoimmune disorders over a 14-year period. They found higher rates of low-grade cell abnormalities in most women with autoimmune conditions, which they say is consistent with them being more susceptible to HPV infection; previous research has linked certain types of HPV to cervical cancer. Women with HIV or lupus also had greater rates of high-grade abnormalities. The authors say these findings support the expansion of cervical cancer preventative programs to include these at-risk females.
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