VIA as a Screening Test for Early Detection of Cervical Cancer
The visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening method developed in 2000 has proved to be a valuable tool for cervical cancer screening that developing countries so desperately need. The attractiveness of this simple screening method is based on its ability to be incorporated into a linked ‘screen and treat’ strategy. Integrating screening and treatment that bypasses the need for a protracted wait for screening results and potential loss of follow-up appointments, which is endemic in LMIC countries. Further advantages are the low cost, ability to be performed by trained nurses and lack of need for laboratory facilities or diagnostic equipment. While VIA is more sensitive than cytology with a sensitivity of 76·7% compared to 44·3% for cytology, it is less specific with a specificity of 64·1% compared to 90·6% for cytology10. Despite this, VIA remains an attractive option, especially in rural areas, where medical and pathology services are not well developed. Unfortunately, to date VIA has been slow in being rolled out in developing countries (especially in the rural areas where it is needed most) as the average screening coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa is only 12.12% 11