Risk Factors and Genetic Markers of Human Papillomavirus-induced Cervical Carcinogenesis: A Focus on Chinese Populations in Southeast Asia and Southern China

Cervical cancer is a disease that is caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The fate of this sexually transmitted infection is determined by long-term host-viral and host-environmental interactions. Given that the majority population of Han Chinese have a similarity in genetic makeup, and cultural and social systems, it is not surprising to see a common spectrum of type-or variant-specific HPV prevalence and risk for cervical cancer in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. These populations also share similar behavioral and environmental exposure risks, as well as genetic susceptibility to cervical cancer. In this post-genomic era, when the code, control and function of the human genome are being quickly unveiled, new genetic and epigenetic biomarkers for cervical cancer are emerging systemically and in an overwhelming way. This review covers the conventional epidemiological risks of HPV infection and the development of cervical cancer, as well as the emerging new molecular biomarkers, in a focused population of Chinese subjects in Southeast Asia and Southern China.