A blood test that could detect ovarian cancer in its early stages is to be trialled in the UK in a new study.
Running for an 18 month period, the trial will offer subjects displaying symptoms a blood test known as ROMA, which helps identify women who are at high risk. Now, researchers hope to establish whether it can help diagnose the deadly ailment early in women with persistent warning signs - like bloating, tummy pain and altered appetite.
Ovarian cancer symptoms can often be missed in the condition's early stages, which is why it's known as a "silent disease". It's the sixth most common cause of cancer death in females in the UK, with a 35 percent survival rate.
Led by Sandwell and West Birmingham and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, lead researchers believe the test could potentially save "thousands" of lives.
Professor Sudha Sundar, from the University of Birmingham said early detection is vital as most cases are spotted when it's too late.
As reported by the BBC, she said: "Unfortunately [for] women in the UK, the majority of women will be diagnosed at stage three or four ovarian cancer, when the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries and into other parts of the tummy.
"If we are able to shift the way in which we are diagnosing ovarian cancer now, we will be able to substantially increase the number of lives saved in the UK and worldwide," she added. "I would put that number as thousands of lives [potentially] saved."
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
According to the NHS, symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequently (roughly 12 or more times a month) having:
- a swollen tummy or feeling bloated
- pain or tenderness in your tummy or the area between the hips (pelvis)
- no appetite or feeling full quickly after eating
- an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- indigestion
- constipation or diarrhoea
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- losing weight without trying
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
These symptoms can be signs of other conditions, but the NHS still advises to get them checked by a GP. If they are caused by ovarian cancer, knowing this as soon as possible improves chances of survival.
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