Cervical cancer accounts for 40% of cancer deaths amongst Indian women. It is the third top killer of Indian rural women in the 15-44 age groups (Suicide occupies the topmost position, followed by tuberculosis, causing the deaths in the above age group women).

Pap smear, a routine medical test, used as diagnostic test to detect cervical cancer, was beyond the reach of illiterate women in the villages.

New method of testing for Cervical Cancer is as given below:

Cervical cancer can be screened by a mere visual examination, preceded by a swab with fresh acetic acid. By this procedure the disease can be detected at an early stage, and treatment can be initiated at a very early stage of the disease and the cure rate is much more, when compared to the previous testing procedures.

Already about 1600 health workers 160 doctors were trained. It is found that the women were interested and 94% even agreed to cooperate when contacted at home.

Dr.Elizabeth Vallikad hopes that “they are trying to light the fire from the bottom, and interacting with women and the other functionaries in the village administration.”

The voluntary organizations are also being roped in to create awareness among village women to demand visual examination as a matter of right, as the issue cannot be left to the choice of health functionaries.

Source: Sreelatha Menon.

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