Breaking barriers: the evolution of portable colposcopes in cervical health

Abstract

Global calls for cervical cancer elimination prompt urgent focus on low-income countries where screening challenges persist. While high-income nations utilize advanced methods like human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and colposcopy, many low-resource settings rely on cost-effective approaches like visual assessment with acetic acid (VIA) performed on the same day as screening and treatment. This review explores the feasibility of implementing improved visual assessment methods in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), considering challenges posed by systemic factors. Emphasizing the vital role of visual inspection, particularly in high-income countries where colposcopy guides biopsies and treatment decisions, the article advocates for tailored screening pathways. Unlike extensive multi-step processes in high-income countries, LMICs face limitations in clinic visits, making simple VIA crucial. The article evaluates the potential of cervical imaging devices for low-resource settings, aiming to enhance cervical cancer screening in line with global elimination goals.