BANGKOK, 14 February 2013 Cancer researchers at Chulabhorn Research Institute have claimed that they have found a new way to detect cervical cancer in women, which could solve the problem of Thai women being too shy to allow doctors to examine their private parts.
The traditional method of checking for cervical cancer involves doctor’s taking samples of cervical cells, which requires the patient to expose her private part to the doctor. The new method proposed by the researchers requires the patient only to bring a used sanitary napkin and urine specimen. The new method, the researchers claim, is 50-60% accurate.
The researchers will also look into ways for patients to collect samples of their cervical cells at home and bring them to the hospital. This method has been tested abroad, and will likely be available for Thai patients soon, one of the researchers said.
Chulabhorn Research Institute also claimed that a study of about 4,500 female patients at Chulabhorn hospital found that about 700 out of 4,500 patients, or about 15%, had cervical cancer; almost all of which had developed beyond the first stage, technically called “1A stage”.
The percentage seemed out of proportion as it was based on the number of patients who came to Chulabhorn hospital to have cervical cancer checkup and did not reflect the proportion in the population in general, according to the researchers.
As for ways to prevent cervical cancer, researchers suggest that people should use protection during sex and visit the doctor for regular screenings.
