India launches affordable device for cervical cancer tests

India Monday launched a cost effective and affordable device for early detection of cervical cancer in women.

Cervical cancer is the number one killer among cancers in several parts of rural and semi-urban India, accounting for nine percent of total deaths due to cancer in 2010. It has been estimated that about 1,32,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year and 74,000 deaths occur due to it every year.

The screening device called 'AV-Magnivisualiser' has been designed and developed at the Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO), Noida.

Launching the device, union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that with this device it will be easy to screen and detect cervical cancer in its early stages thus making treatment more effective.

He said that at present screening for cervical cancer is available only in the regional cancer institutes and medical colleges.

Azad added that the equipment presently being used is expensive, as a result of which not many medical colleges can afford this equipment.

This device, which will be much cost effective, will be first rolled out in the district and sub-district community health centres (CMCs) and subsequently in the primary health centres (PHCs), he said.

Indian Council for Medical Research director general V.M. Katoch said the device will benefit a large number of women in the country and bring down the rates of morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer, which is high at present as it is not detected in the early stages.