New screen-and-treat methods perform as well or better than traditional Pap smears for identifying high-grade cervical cancer precursor lesions.

The study of nearly 7,000 women reportedly demonstrates the safety and efficacy of two low-tech diagnostic tools.

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women in many developing countries.

Designed as rapid screen-and-treat methods that could be done the same day, scientists say the newly developed protocols could make prevention of cervical cancer a viable option for all women in any setting around the world.

Precursor Lesions

The methods researched were human papillomavirus DNA testing and visual inspection with acetic acid, followed by treatment using cryotherapy for all eligible women with positive test results.

Researchers said the methods were found to perform as well or better than traditional Pap smears for identifying high-grade cervical cancer precursor lesions.

The study marked the first time those methods were tested for efficacy in reducing the prevalence of cervical cancer precursor lesions.

The research is detailed in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.