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Tampon Test Spots Ovarian Cancer Early
20 Feb
Summary
- A new study uses diagnostic tampons to detect ovarian cancer clues.
- Early detection offers a 95% survival chance for ovarian cancer.
- Researchers focus on high-risk women, including BRCA gene carriers.
Researchers in Southampton are pioneering a new approach to detect ovarian cancer in its earliest stages, a critical factor in improving survival rates. The study, funded by The Eve Appeal, involves using specialized diagnostic tampons and vaginal swabs to collect samples. These samples will be analyzed for tiny biological signals called microRNAs, which can indicate the presence of cancer cells.
This innovative method aims to overcome the lack of a current screening program for ovarian cancer. Early diagnosis offers a 95% survival chance, yet currently, only about one-third of cases are identified early. The research specifically targets women at higher risk, such as those with BRCA gene mutations, providing a potential alternative to preventative surgeries that cause surgical menopause.
Dr. Alison Farmer, a survivor diagnosed at age 40, emphasizes the vital importance of research into earlier diagnosis. Her experience highlights how proactive medical consultation and further testing can be life-saving. She supports the new tampon study, recognizing the urgent need for better diagnostic tools, especially for women diagnosed at later, more advanced stages of the disease.
