Researchers at the Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai have announced that they have found an inexpensive way to screen for cervical cancer. The procedure will involve the use of vinegar.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer affecting Indian women about 1,42,000 new cases come to light every year. Each year about 72,600 women worldwide die due to cervical cancer. It occurs due to a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV) and is related to poor genital hygiene.
Normally a Pap smear screening helps identify and cure cervical cancer. But now they have a low-cost alternative. The study involved about 1.5 lakh women between 35 to 65 years of age.
This test will be beneficial in preventing 22,000 cervical cancer deaths that occur annually in India.
