Sunday Nov 10, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- P. A. Dugué from University of Copenhagen in Denmark and colleagues reported in Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy that immunosuppression boosts the risk of cervical cancer no matter what causes the immunosuppression.

It has been observed that women immunosuppressed due to AIDS or treatment following organ transplantation are at higher risk for cervical cancer.  The current review reminds readers that immunosuppression can also result from other conditions or factors such as diseases affecting the immune system.

End-stage renal disease patients seem to be at an increased risk of cervical cancer.   Some autoimmune diseases are also associated with higher risk of cervical precancerous lesions in the patients particularly when treated with immunosuppressants.

Lifestyle and behavioral factors can also affect a person's immunity.  For instance, the authors cite smoking as a strong risk factor and poor diet as a moderate risk factor for compromised immune function and increased risk of cervical cancer. (David Liu, PHD)