Did you know that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide? Cervical cancer is newly diagnosed in 500,000 women 
and kills 250.000 women every year. Last year, the World Health Organization endorsed an inexpensive procedure called, VIA/cryo, to detect and treat precancerous lesions of the cervix. This procedure was developed by specialists at Johns Hopkins Medical School in Maryland 20 years ago. VIA/cryo stands for visualization of the cervix with acetic acid (vinegar) and treatment with cryotherapy and it involves applying vinegar onto the cervix. If any precancerous lesions are present, the vinegar causes them to turn white, making them easier to distinguish form the healthy parts of the cervix. Carbon dioxide is then used to freeze a metal probe, which is then applied to the lesion to freeze it off.
The Pap smear is the most widely known method of screening cervical cancer, but pathologists are needed to diagnose precancerous cells from the smear samples. Many low-income countries lack the resources to interpret the results of the smear and have to outsource this test, leading to delays in making a diagnosis. These delays are problematic for women who must travel from distant areas to get screened.
This newly approved procedure avoids the delay found with Pap smears and uses supplies that are readily available. Another added bonus is that it can be performed by trained nurses and it requires only one office visit.
The Global Pulse’s Fall Issue features one medical student’s experience in implementing a cervical cancer screening program in Haiti. To read her account, click here.