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Blood Screening for Ovarian Cancer
August 1, 2009 |
Researchers call it their best discovery yet in the hopes of catching ovarian cancer
earlier than ever before.
‘There’s a lot of work going on and its exciting work. We’re just involved with
some very recent scientific information that’s looking at a brand new tool. A brand
new blood test,” explains Dr. James Orr, Medical Director of Oncology Services for
Lee
Memorial Health System.
Studies are now being conducted using the blood test combined with an ultrasound
to detect abnormalities. “It looks at seven different markers and has a very high
sensitivity and a high specifity for the detection of ovarian disease,” says Dr.
Orr.
Most cases of ovarian cancer are discovered when it’s already in the advanced stages,
due in part to a lack of screening methods. “There are a number of blood tests,
ultrasound studies right now, we don’t have that tool, we don’t have that pap test
of the ovary, we don’t have that mammogram of the ovary.”
More than 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed last year.
“They’ve got to listen to their body, and if they listen to their body and they
think about things particularly women who have a history of ovarian or breast cancer
at an early age, they really need to seek a physician’s care.”
Since there aren’t any clear signs of symptoms of ovarian cancer, it’s important
to visit your doctor for a yearly exam.
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