Researchers Discover A New Tool For Spotting Cervical Cancer

By Dr. Brian McDonough

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --  The incidence of cervical cancer in the United States has been dramatically reduced over the years.

This was first made possible by the pap smear, which is a test to detect the problem early on.

It has also been reduced by recent developments in understanding that human papillomavirus is the virus that is linked to cervical cancer.

The vaccine against HPV has been effective too.

Now, there is a report from a cancer conference in Chicago that there is a test to detect cervical cancer that's inexpensive.

In fact, it's very simple.

Vinegar swabbed onto the cervix can cause abnormal cells to change color, a warning sign that further testing is needed.

The report is based on a study of 150,000 women.

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