Intimate Partner Violence and Cervical Neoplasia

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with a range of adverse physical health outcomes, including chronic and infectious diseases. An emerging literature suggests that partner violence and specifically sexual violence may be associated with an increased risk of cervical neoplasia. To assess the risk of preinvasive and invasive cervical cancer in a cross-sectional study of women screened for IPV by type, frequency and duration, 1152 women ages 18-65 were recruited from family practice clinics in 1997-1998. They were screened for IPV during a brief in-clinic interview, and health history and current status were assessed in a follow-up interview. Of 1152 women surveyed, 14 (1.2%) reported cervical cancer, and 20.3% (n 5 234) reported treatment for cervical neoplasia. Ever experiencing IPV was associated with an increased risk of invasive cervical cancer (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 5 4.28; 95% CI 1.94, 18.39) and with preinvasive cervical neoplasia (aRR 5 1.47; 95% CI 1.16, 1.82). This association was stronger for women experiencing physical or sexual IPV than for women experiencing psychological IPV. Women with cervical cancer reported being in violent relationships longer and experiencing more frequent physical and sexual assaults and more IPV-associated injuries than did controls. This exploratory study suggests that IPV may increase a woman's risk of cervical neoplasia. The mechanism by which IPV effects cervical neoplasia may be indirect through psychosocial stress or negative coping behaviors or direct through sexual assaults and transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV). 1015

Domestic Violence and its Effect on Oral Health Behaviour and Oral Health Status

“…Physiological consequences of depression may lead to poor dental health due to xerostomia, cariogenic diet, and impaired immune functioning contributing to oral infection [12][13][14]. The potential fallout from stress and anxiety can lead to diseases like Mouth sores, including canker sores, cold sores, clenching of teeth, teeth grinding (bruxism), periodontal disease and dental caries [15].…”

Association of Intimate Partner Violence and Childhood Sexual Abuse with Cancer-Related Well-Being in Women

“…Based on populationbased estimates of IPV prevalence (25%), 14 women with cancer may be twice as likely to have experienced violence as women in the general population. Both CSA and IPV have been associated with having preinvasive 15,16 and invasive cervical cancer. 17 IPV may indirectly cause poorer cancer outcomes, as women experiencing IPV are less likely to have health insurance and more likely to have fewer transportation options.…”

Intimate Partner Violence and Cancer Screening among Urban Minority Women

“…1,[7][8][9][10] More recently, research has explored the association between IPV and health issues related to breast and cervical cancer. Studies have found that exposure to IPV increases the risk of cervical cancer, 11,12 possibly through its effect on risk factors such as stress, smoking, and drinking. 11 Alternatively, IPV may be related to decreased adherence to cancer screening.…”