Correlation between smoking status and cervical cancer screening: a cross-sectional study

Tobacco use is a risk factor for the development and progression of cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between smoking status among women and their compliance with cervical cancer screening guidelines.

A cross-sectional analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was performed using the 2006 survey data. Women with no history of hysterectomy who answered the questions regarding smoking status, age, and last Pap smear were included (n = 150,786). Data were weighted for survey design.

The overall prevalence of compliance with cervical cancer screening guidelines was 83.9%. The rate of compliance was highest among former smokers (86.7%) compared with never smokers (83.7%) and current smokers (81.7%; p < .001). Among women aged 21 to 65 years, the odds of current smokers having had a Pap test in the past 3 years was 0.70 compared with women who never smoked (95% confidence interval = 0.63-0.77), when controlled for marital status, income, and access to health care. The odds of former smokers complying with screening guidelines were similar to women who never smoked.

Women who smoke are at higher risk for developing cervical cancer but have a lower rate of screening for the disease. Efforts to increase prevalence of Pap test compliance should target current smokers.