Körperliche Bewegung, Übergewicht und Zervixkarzinom in Deutschland

Background:

Recent studies have shown physical activity and sport to be associated with cancer prevention, although data on the association with cervical cancer remain limited. The TeQaZ study is a case-control study investigating participation in cervical cancer screening (CCS). Associations between cervical cancer and other risk factors, such as physical activity and obesity, were investigated.

Methods:

Incident cases of cervical cancer, diagnosed 2012 – 2016 in Germany, were recruited. Cases were matched with population-based controls, recruited via population registries. Gynecologists reported the frequency of CCS participation during the past ten years. Socio-demographic and other risk factors were assessed via telephone interview. Physical (any form of movement) and sporting activity were documented and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. Data were analysed using conditional logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 218 cases and 654 controls were analysed. 94.5% of cases engaged in physical activity at least 30 minutes a day compared to 92.2% of controls. 21.2% of cases and 21.1% of controls participated in sport at least three times a week. 20.6% of cases versus 12.2% of controls had a BMI over 30. When adjusting for additional factors, we found that sport at least three times a week and physical activity at least 30 minutes a day did not have any preventive effect. BMI >= 30 and participation in CCS less frequently than every three years were strong risk factors. However, only 52.1% of women with a BMI over 30 participated in CCS at least every three years, compared to 71.6% of women who were not overweight (p < 0.05). Results of the conditional logistic regression will be presented.

Conclusion:

Initial findings suggest that physical activity is not associated with preventing cervical cancer. An association between BMI and cervical cancer was found, although this may be due to decreased participation in CCS among overweight women.