Ovarian cancer, known as the silent killer, tragically has the lowest survival rate among women’s cancers, with no current early detection tests available. A team of scientists from Queensland aims to revolutionise this by developing a blood test that can detect the disease early and improve survival rates. Ovarian cancer often grows undetected for years, as experienced by Karyn Stamp, who was diagnosed at stage 3 after symptoms went unnoticed for up to seven years.
The University of Queensland’s research has made significant progress, with a blood test currently boasting a 94% accuracy rate. This innovative test works by identifying microscopic bubbles released by cancer cells, enabling doctors to detect the disease before it spreads. With early detection, there’s a remarkable 90% chance of patients surviving beyond five years.
Researchers plan to gather samples from 1,500 women nationwide over the next five years, fostering hopes for annual screenings for high-risk individuals. “Even though it doesn’t help me directly, anything that prevents other women from experiencing this would be incredible,” said Karyn Stamp, reflecting a shared desire for progress in ovarian cancer diagnosis. This initiative epitomises the relentless pursuit of better outcomes for women facing this devastating illness.