A new blood test for ovarian cancer is making headlines with big promises—but does it live up to the hype?
Here’s what you should know about this test and what it could mean for early detection, according to Jonathan Cosin, MD, the chief of gynecologic oncology at The Hospital of Central Connecticut.
Ovarian cancer goes beyond the ovaries.
Ovarian cancer can actually occur in more than just your ovaries, explains Dr. Cosin.
“The term encompasses ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers, which are biologically identical,” explains Dr. Cosin. “We believe all of these cancers originate in the fallopian tube.”
Although the overall risk for women (1 in 70) hasn’t changed in 30 years, awareness has increased.
“We once thought only 10 percent of cases were genetic,” Dr. Cosin adds. “It’s closer to 20 percent. While an effective screening test doesn’t yet exist, you should talk to a genetic counselor if you have a family history of these cancers.”
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4 early signs of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer can show symptoms in its early stages, but they’re often subtle.
Common signs include:
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Feeling full quickly
“While these symptoms are common for many people, women should pay attention if they persist for two weeks or longer or are severe,” says Dr. Cosin. “In these cases, ask your doctor: Are you considering ovarian cancer as a diagnosis?”
> Related: 7 Signs of Ovarian Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
The truth behind the “new blood test.”
Currently, diagnosing ovarian cancer requires blood work and possible imaging. Recently, a study explored if a new blood test could detect ovarian cancer years earlier by measuring immune cells (T cells) that target cancer cells.
But, Dr. Cosin warns, we’re still years away from major changes. Here’s why:
- Many promising tumor markers fail. Biomarkers, like the one used in the ovarian cancer test, often look promising, but don’t always perform well in large studies.
- Screening tests have to be very precise. Cancer screening is held to high standards because false positives, in the case of ovarian cancer, could lead to the unnecessary removal of a woman’s ovaries and fallopian tubes.
- A new blood test is years away from being used. This study is just an early step in a process that can take many years. Extensive testing, approvals and data are needed before it can be used as a screening tool.
“This study could be groundbreaking, and no one would be happier than me and my colleagues in gynecologic oncology if it works,” Dr. Cosin says. “But it’s a big if. This is still in very early stages — years away, if at all.”
> Related: Could Ultra-Processed Foods Cause Ovarian and Breast Cancer?
How to reduce your ovarian cancer risk.
While there’s no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer, some steps can help lower your risk:
- Taking oral contraceptives
- Being pregnant
- Breastfeeding
“Regular checkups with your OBGYN are also crucial, but the most important thing is knowing the symptoms,” says Dr. Cosin. “If you experience severe symptoms or anything lasting more than two weeks, speak up and advocate for yourself.”
