Since it was originally discovered over a century ago, Cervical cancer has been studied extensively – including its origins and the cause of the disease. Years of research have led to the determination that human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 90% of Cervical cancers and 5% of other cancers among men and women, according to the World Health Organization and the American National Cancer Institute. HPV is a rather common sexually transmitted disease/sexually transmitted infection (STD/STI), and many physicians suggest it impacts the majority of human lives around the world on a daily level.

U.S. statistics reveal that 14 million people contract a new HPV infection annually, and approximately 80 million people are currently HPV-positive. Often asymptomatic, people with a healthy immune system can regress HPV infections naturally (within 6-18 months). Reinfection is possible, especially for people of reproductive age, and vaccines only work if HPV exposure has not yet occurred.

Chronic HPV infections can cause cancer. Even with a normally functioning immune system, HPV-infected women can develop cancer in 15-20 years. Among women with weakened immune systems, Cervical cancer development accelerates and can be prevalent within 5-10 years. An estimated 5% of all Cervical cancer cases are attributable to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and women living with HIV are unfortunately six times more likely to develop Cervical cancer.

Instances of Cervical cancer decline significantly in healthcare resource-rich countries while more than 85% of Cervical cancer deaths originate in low- and middle-income countries where access to preventive measures and treatment options are limited. Worldwide, for women older than 26, research suggests the best way to prevent Cervical cancer is with routine screening.

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING TESTS

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends three types of cervical cancer diagnostic tests:

Pap Test (cytologic) – When cancer cells appeared under the microscope of physician and scientist George Papanicolaou in 1923, the first Cervical cancer cytology test occurred. The terms “Pap smear” or “Pap test” are synonymous with this traditional health screening method. In low-resource settings, traditional cytology-based screening programs are reportedly the mostly ineffective at reducing the burden of Cervical cancer. Laboratory analysis takes approximately 1-3 weeks to perform.

VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid) Test – Newer Cervical cancer screening tests introduced in the past 15 years include visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). For HPV-positive women, a VIA test using the naked eye or a colposcope is recommended for determining ablative treatment eligibility. VIA test results are immediate, an added benefit for both patient and practitioner. A VIA test is an affordable, alternative strategy in low-resource settings. VIA tests are used independently or in conjunction with cytologic and molecular tests.

HPV DNA (molecular) Test – Also introduced within the last 15 years and often used with high-risk HPV cases is molecular testing. Cell samples can be self-collected or by a trained healthcare professional. HPV molecular tests do not diagnose cancer and are not readily available worldwide. HPV molecular tests can take 1-3 weeks before results are available.

Cervical cancer early detection increases survivability chances. Only VIA testing:

• Provides immediate results at the time of the procedure
• Is versatile
• can be used independently
• validates cytology and molecular test results
• Is scalable and accessible
• Is a viable solution in low-resource healthcare settings

Countries with a combination of Cervical cancer screenings and treatment reduced the mortality rate five times over the past 50 years. And, a new VIA diagnostic test is available for standardized quality control and validation, ultimately designed to aid the world in reducing the burden of Cervical cancer.

DALRADA HEALTH’S cerVIA TEST KIT™

Dalrada Health’s patent-pending cerVIA Test Kit™ is safe, reliable, and ensures quality control for consistent validation processes in healthcare facilities and screening centers. The cerVIA™ Test Kit is currently being used for clinical trials in India. To date, the findings are positive – for patients and practitioners alike.

For more information about Dalrada Health’s cerVIA™ Cervical cancer screening kit, please visit www.dalradahealth.com.