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The Association Between Air Pollution Exposure and the Risk of Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Review article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

2 BSc of Public Health, Student Research Committee, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

3 MSc of Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

4 Assistant Professor of Occupational Health Engineering Department of Occupational Health, School of Health Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences

5 Instructor of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

6 Associate Professor, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

10.30468/jsums.2026.7959.3167

Abstract

Background and Objective: Air pollutants play a crucial role in public health, as they are related to increased risk of cancers, such as cervical cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between air pollution exposure and the risk of cervical cancer in a systematic review.
Materials and Methods: The study was performed by reviewing indexed databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest. Literature was reviewed from January 1st, 2010 to October 16th, 2024, and included keywords matching MESH terms. Inclusion criteria included observational studies regarding environmental pollutants and cervical cancer. After screening 2803 articles, nine eligible studies were included. Analyses were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.
Results: The reviewed studies suggested that exposure to environmental contaminants like particulate matter from PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Most notably, one study found a positive relationship between PM2.5 susceptibility and higher mortality in cervical cancer patients. For example, one study found that each order of 100 µg/m³ increase in NOx increased the risk of cervical cancer with an Odds Ratio of 2.45.
Conclusion: Evidence indicates a significant association between exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of cervical cancer. Reducing exposure to pollutants through environmental policies and raising public awareness can play an effective role in preventing this disease. Future studies should focus on standardizing exposure assessment methods and investigating the mechanisms of carcinogenesis.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences
Volume 33, Issue 4
September and October 2026
Pages 1156-1182
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History
  • Receive Date: 24 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 01 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 07 September 2026
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