Vinegar and visual inspection used to detect cervical cancer

The technique of wiping the cervix with vinegar (acetic acid) and then inspecting it visually can be used to detect most cases of cervical cancer and precancer, according to a study carried out in Zimbabwe (Lancet 1999;353:869-73). The technique could be used to screen women for cervical cancer in developing countries, where cancer of the cervix remains the leading cause of death from cancer among women. An estimated 300000 women …