About this issue

Authors

  • Greta Dreyer University of Pretoria

Abstract

Lower genital tract gynaecological cancers remain classic examples of diseases which are so-called noncommunicable, but which are caused by infective agents; challenging our desire to classify in order to control. The epidemiology of these cancers follows that of several sexually transmitted infections. Interactions between different infective agents are intriguing, and although often studied, remain difficult to prove and understand. Current evidence demonstrates viruses to be by far the most important infective oncogenes, with other infections acting as co-factors in transmission at most. An intact mucosa in cervical pathogenesis may be critical, as has also been demonstrated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission trials.

Author Biography

  • Greta Dreyer, University of Pretoria
    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Pretoria

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