Screening for HIV infection in women with newly diagnosed cervical cancer

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in women with cervical cancer and to decide whether HIV testing should be included as part of the initial work-up of invasive cervical cancer. Methods. This was a prospective case controlled study. Women with newly diagnosed cervical cancer were tested and age-matched women with benign gynecologic conditions were selected as control. Serum samples were tested for HIV I and HIV II antibodies at diagnosis and 3 months later. Results. Two hundred twenty-five consecutive patients with newly diagnosed cervical cancer and two hundred twenty-three age-matched women with benign gynaecological conditions were tested. In comparison with the control, women with cervical cancer started sexual intercourse at an earlier age and had a statistically significant higher number of sexual partners. All the HIV tests were negative. The HIV prevalence rate was estimated to be 0.0-1.6% for both groups. Conclusion. HIV screening should not be a part of the initial work-up for cervical cancer in a population with a low background prevalence. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.link_to_subscribed_fulltex