Ovarian Cancer Detection Improved With Simple Blood Test & Questionnaire
Results from a new study to be published in the August issue of the journal CANCER show that combining a four-question questionnaire with a simple blood test can increase detection rates of both early and late stage ovarian cancers. The blood test measures CA125, a molecular marker for certain types of cancer. The study looked at women with a family history of ovarian cancer and those with pelvic masses which were later diagnosed as ovarian cancer. A new pilot study is already underway to investigate whether this simple questionnaire should be included as part of routine medical exams for all women. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 21,000 women in the US are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year, and more than 15,000 die from the disease.Full story.