Juno Obedin-Maliver¹, Elizabeth A. Conlisk, PhD¹, and Miriam L. Cremer, MD, MPH². (1) School of Natural Science, Hampshire College, Box 1277, 893 West Street, Amherst, MA 01002-5001, 413.559.4831, jo01@hampshire.edu, (2) Women and Children's Hospital, University of Southern California, 1240 North Mission Road, Room L1009, Los Angeles, CA 91030

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women in Central America, including El Salvador. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the main etiological agent in the development of cervical pre-cancer and cancer. However, not all HPV positive women develop pre-cancer cervical lesions, and there is some evidence that poor nutrition may contribute to the progression of cervical disease. This study examines the relationship between daily intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate to the development of cervical pre-cancers in rural Salvadoran women. The sample includes 537 non-pregnant women aged 18-75, who presented for gynecological care at a temporary health clinic in the rural village of San Sebastian, San Vicente, in January 2004. Daily consumption of vitamin A, vitamin C and folate for the previous year was estimated using a 110-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ was developed specifically for this population on the basis of 24-hour recalls and free-listings of commonly consumed foods. All questionnaires were administered verbally in Spanish by investigators and local health care workers. Forthcoming analysis will compare the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (I or higher) from cervical biopsies to the daily intake of each vitamin separately. Based on data previously reported in the literature, we expect that women with low intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate will be more likely to have abnormal cervical biopsies.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe the relationship between dietary vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate intake and the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia amongst rural Salvadoran women.

Keywords: Cancer Prevention, Food and Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.