DOH Update: To screen cervical cancer using vinegar | The Philippine Star >> Business Features >> Science and Technology

DOH to screen cervical cancer using vinegar | The Philippine Star >> Business Features >> Science and Technology: "MANILA, Philippines - Using vinegar, the Department of Health (DOH) has embarked on a program to screen some 30,000 women for cervical cancer for free this month.

Remedios Niola, DOH program manager for the Cervical Cancer Control and Prevention Program, said cervix is the second leading site for cancer among women.

In 2010, the prevalence rate for cervical cancer was 11.7 percent per 100,000 population. It is estimated that some 12 women die of this illness every day.

Niola said early diagnosis of cancer is important to combat the disease. In 2005, the DOH issued an administrative order, establishing cancer-screening facilities in its hospitals.

In line with the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this May, the DOH will provide free screening using “visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) or vinegar” in selected DOH-retained hospitals.

Dr. Rey de los Reyes, vice president of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Inc., said cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination if only diagnosed early."