Cancer BREAKTHROUGH: The screening that could save THOUSANDS

A pioneering study has looked at the possibility of ovarian cancer screening

 

PIONEERING trial finds that a simple annual test could SAVE 20 per cent of women from terrifying ovarian cancer diagnosis

 

THE world’s biggest ovarian cancer screening trial has made the groundbreaking discovery that thousands of women’s lives could be saved by an annual blood test.

For every 10,000 women who attended annual screening - involving a small blood test - researchers predict that 15 deaths could might be prevented.

The study showed a delayed effect on mortality, which became significant after the first seven years of the trial.

 

Scientists reveal this could save 20 per cent of women

 

The blood test looks at levels of a protein known as CA125.

Although in the early stages, these exciting results mean the UK is one-step closer to a method to detect this cancer before it takes hold.

Ovarian cancer was diagnosed in 1,282 women during the 14-year study of more than 200,000 post-menopausal women aged 50 to 74, of whom 649 had died of the disease by the trial end in December 2014.

 



Scientists say the screening involves taking a blood test to identify a protein



 

Around 7100 women face a devastating ovarian cancer diagnosis each year, and the disease is the fifth most common cancer among women.

This 14-year study - led by a team at UCL - offers hope that a national screening could become commonplace. 

Dr Fiona Reddington, Cancer Research UK’s head of population research, said: “This trial has been incredibly useful in improving our understanding of ovarian cancer. Detecting it early is vital to make sure that patients have the best treatment options and that more women can survive the disease. 

 

Around 7100 women face a devastating ovarian cancer diagnosis each year

 

“It’s uncertain whether or not screening can reduce ovarian cancer deaths overall. While this is an important step in ovarian cancer research, we would not recommend a national screening programme at this point.”

Athena Lamnisos, CEO of The Eve Appeal added: "These results don't necessarily signal the introduction of a national screening programme, but they are an exciting step forward for early detection of ovarian cancer. Medical research takes time to shift from the lab bench to the hospital bedside; today, the UKCTOCS results move early detection one step closer."