Latest news with #WID-easy
The Independent
04-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
New womb cancer test to be used in the UK
Women with signs of womb cancer can be offered a less invasive test to rule out disease, scientists have announced. The new test, WID-easy, uses some of the same technology used in Covid PCR tests. Traditionally, women with signs of womb cancer would need a transvaginal ultrasound scan or a hysteroscopy – where a tube with a camera in it is used to look inside the womb – to confirm or rule out disease. The new PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a simple swab, which is sent off to a laboratory for analysis. Scientists then look for changes in the DNA that indicate whether womb cancer is present or not. If the test indicates that a woman has womb cancer, then the woman would need a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. The test, by University College London (UCL) spinout company Sola Diagnostics, has been registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for women over the age of 45 who have abnormal uterine bleeding. Experts said that this means that it is immediately available to private clinics, and it is hoped that it will one day be made available for widespread use on the NHS. Analysis of the test, which was developed by researchers from UCL and the University of Innsbruck, was published in the Lancet Oncology in 2023. The study found that the WID-easy test detects the same number of women with womb cancer as ultrasound. 'The… test delivers fast results and shows improved performance compared with a combination of imaging index tests,' the authors wrote at the time. The test also significantly reduces the number of false positives, which could mean that fewer healthy women would be sent to have invasive hysteroscopy or biopsy procedures. Inventor of the test, Professor Martin Widschwendter, from UCL's Institute for Women's Health and the University of Innsbruck in Austria, said: 'The WID-easy test is the first test of its kind in the UK – using a simple swab method to detect womb cancer. 'We are proud to have developed a test that addresses an urgent gap in women's health and performs well across all women.' Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, added: 'Currently in the UK, the tests to investigate abnormal bleeding and check for womb cancer can cause stress and discomfort. The usual test is a hysteroscopy, which many find painful and invasive. 'A test which is less painful and more acceptable is to be welcomed by many. 'One of the key groups who may benefit from this test are Black women who more often receive a late-stage diagnosis for this cancer. 'The Eve Appeal is delighted to see this progress in research that the charity funded, resulting in a test that may be effective in the clinical setting. 'The WID-easy test could enable the many thousands of women who experience abnormal bleeding, and where cancer needs to be ruled out, to potentially avoid painful tests like hysteroscopies and have their minds put at rest sooner, saving them from unnecessary stress.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New womb cancer test to be used in the UK
Women with signs of womb cancer can be offered a less invasive test to rule out disease, scientists have announced. The new test, WID-easy, uses some of the same technology used in Covid PCR tests. Traditionally, women with signs of womb cancer would need a transvaginal ultrasound scan or a hysteroscopy – where a tube with a camera in it is used to look inside the womb – to confirm or rule out disease. The new PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a simple swab, which is sent off to a laboratory for analysis. Scientists then look for changes in the DNA that indicate whether womb cancer is present or not. If the test indicates that a woman has womb cancer, then the woman would need a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. The test, by University College London (UCL) spinout company Sola Diagnostics, has been registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for women over the age of 45 who have abnormal uterine bleeding. Experts said that this means that it is immediately available to private clinics, and it is hoped that it will one day be made available for widespread use on the NHS. Analysis of the test, which was developed by researchers from UCL and the University of Innsbruck, was published in the Lancet Oncology in 2023. The study found that the WID-easy test detects the same number of women with womb cancer as ultrasound. 'The… test delivers fast results and shows improved performance compared with a combination of imaging index tests,' the authors wrote at the time. The test also significantly reduces the number of false positives, which could mean that fewer healthy women would be sent to have invasive hysteroscopy or biopsy procedures. Inventor of the test, Professor Martin Widschwendter, from UCL's Institute for Women's Health and the University of Innsbruck in Austria, said: 'The WID-easy test is the first test of its kind in the UK – using a simple swab method to detect womb cancer. 'We are proud to have developed a test that addresses an urgent gap in women's health and performs well across all women.' Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, added: 'Currently in the UK, the tests to investigate abnormal bleeding and check for womb cancer can cause stress and discomfort. The usual test is a hysteroscopy, which many find painful and invasive. 'A test which is less painful and more acceptable is to be welcomed by many. 'One of the key groups who may benefit from this test are Black women who more often receive a late-stage diagnosis for this cancer. 'The Eve Appeal is delighted to see this progress in research that the charity funded, resulting in a test that may be effective in the clinical setting. 'The WID-easy test could enable the many thousands of women who experience abnormal bleeding, and where cancer needs to be ruled out, to potentially avoid painful tests like hysteroscopies and have their minds put at rest sooner, saving them from unnecessary stress.'
The Independent
04-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
What are the early signs of womb cancer and how is it treated?
A new, less invasive test to diagnose womb cancer, called WID-easy, has been approved for use in the UK. Using PCR technology similar to that of Covid tests, the process involves a simple swab sent to a lab for DNA analysis. The test identifies DNA changes that may indicate womb cancer, providing an alternative to traditional methods like transvaginal ultrasounds or hysteroscopies. If the test suggests the presence of cancer, further confirmation through a biopsy is required. The new test, by University College London (UCL) spinout company Sola Diagnostic, has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It is now available for women over 45 with abnormal uterine bleeding in private clinics, with hopes for future availability on the NHS. But what exactly causes womb cancer, and what early signs should we be aware of? What is womb cancer? 'Womb cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the uterus (womb),' says Ms Sangeeta Khinder, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at London Gynaecology. 'The most common type [of womb cancer] is endometrial cancer, which begins in the lining of the womb.' A less common, but more aggressive, type of womb cancer is called uterine sarcoma. 'This type develops in the muscle of the womb,' she notes. Womb cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women and individuals with gynae organs, affecting around 9,700 people annually in the UK, according to The Eve Appeal. What causes it? 'Endometrial cancer develops when the cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow uncontrollably, often due to hormonal imbalances,' explains Khinder. 'High levels of oestrogen, especially when unopposed by progesterone, can cause excessive thickening of the endometrium, increasing the risk of cancerous changes. 'Several factors contribute to this imbalance, including obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT).' The gynaecologist adds that conditions such as diabetes and a family history of uterine or colorectal cancer can also increase this risk. What are some early symptoms to look out for? The main symptom of womb cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, according to The Eve Appeal. This includes any unexpected bleeding, particularly after menopause or between periods. 'If there is any bleeding between periods or if the periods are prolonged or heavier, this needs to be taken seriously and investigated,' says vaginal discharge, especially in the menopause, should also be flagged up to a doctor, adds Khinder. Who is more at risk? Most women diagnosed with womb cancer have been through their menopause and are aged 75 to 79, according to Cancer Research. 'The lifetime risk of a getting endometrial cancer is 1 in 100 and peak incidence is after menopause in 50s and 60s, hence it's important for women in the menopause to be aware of the signs and symptoms,' says Khinder. 'Other risk factors such as high BMI, diabetes and PCOS also increases the risk of this type of cancer.' What are the treatment options? The most common treatment for womb cancer is a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus. 'A simple hysterectomy, which is often carried out as a key-hole procedure, is often the only treatment needed for early low grade endometrial cancers,' explains Khinder. 'A key-hole hysterectomy is associated with tiny incisions, a short hospital stay and quick recovery.' Following a hysterectomy, the cancerous cells are tested further to determine if they have spread beyond the inner half of the uterine wall. 'If this is a possibility, further treatment with radiotherapy may be offered to minimise chances of cancer cells coming back,' says Khinder.
Telegraph
04-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Covid-style tests for womb cancer to be offered
Women with signs of womb cancer can be offered a less invasive test to rule out disease after it was approved for use in the UK. The new test, WID-easy, uses some of the same technology used in Covid PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests. Traditionally, women with signs of womb cancer would need a transvaginal ultrasound scan or a hysteroscopy – where a tube with a camera is used to look inside the womb to confirm or rule out disease. The new PCR test is a simple swab, which is sent off to a laboratory for analysis. Scientists then look for changes in the DNA that indicate whether womb cancer is present. If the test indicates that a woman has womb cancer, then she would need a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Potential for widespread use The test, developed by Sola Diagnostics, has been approved in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for use by women over 45 who have abnormal uterine bleeding. This means that it is immediately available to private clinics, and it is hoped that it will be made available for widespread use in the NHS. Analysis of the test, which was developed by researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of Innsbruck, was published in Lancet Oncology in 2023. 'The... test delivers fast results and shows improved performance compared with a combination of imaging index tests,' the authors wrote at the time. The test also significantly reduces the number of false positives, which could mean fewer healthy women would be sent to have invasive hysteroscopy or biopsy procedures. The inventor of the test, Professor Martin Widschwendter, from UCL's Institute for Women's Health and the University of Innsbruck in Austria, said: 'The WID-easy test is the first test of its kind in the UK – using a simple swab method to detect womb cancer. 'We are proud to have developed a test that addresses an urgent gap in women's health and performs well across all women.' 'Minds put at rest sooner' Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, a leading gynaecological cancer charity, said: 'Currently in the UK, the tests to investigate abnormal bleeding and check for womb cancer can cause stress and discomfort. The usual test is a hysteroscopy, which many find painful and invasive. 'A test which is less painful and more acceptable is to be welcomed by many. 'One of the key groups who may benefit from this test are black women who more often receive a late-stage diagnosis for this cancer… 'The WID-easy test could enable the many thousands of women who experience abnormal bleeding, and where cancer needs to be ruled out, to potentially avoid painful tests like a hysteroscopy and have their minds put at rest sooner, saving them from unnecessary stress.'
The Independent
04-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
New womb cancer test approved for UK use
Women with signs of womb cancer can be offered a less invasive test to rule out disease after it was given the green light for use in the UK. The new test, WID-easy, uses some of the same technology used in Covid PCR tests. Traditionally, women with signs of womb cancer would need a transvaginal ultrasound scan or a hysteroscopy – where a tube with a camera in it is used to look inside the womb – to confirm or rule out disease. The new PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a simple swab, which is sent off to a laboratory for analysis. Scientists then look for changes in the DNA that indicate whether womb cancer is present or not. If the test indicates that a woman has womb cancer, then the woman would need a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. The test, by University College London (UCL) spinout company Sola Diagnostics, has been approved for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for women over the age of 45 who have abnormal uterine bleeding. This means that it is immediately available to private clinics, and it is hoped that it will one day be made available for widespread use on the NHS. Analysis of the test, which was developed by researchers from UCL and the University of Innsbruck, was published in the Lancet Oncology in 2023. The study found that the WID-easy test detects the same number of women with womb cancer as ultrasound. 'The… test delivers fast results and shows improved performance compared with a combination of imaging index tests,' the authors wrote at the time. The test also significantly reduces the number of false positives, which could mean that fewer healthy women would be sent to have invasive hysteroscopy or biopsy procedures. Inventor of the test, Professor Martin Widschwendter, from UCL's Institute for Women's Health and the University of Innsbruck in Austria, said: 'The WID-easy test is the first test of its kind in the UK – using a simple swab method to detect womb cancer. 'We are proud to have developed a test that addresses an urgent gap in women's health and performs well across all women.' Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, added: 'Currently in the UK, the tests to investigate abnormal bleeding and check for womb cancer can cause stress and discomfort. The usual test is a hysteroscopy, which many find painful and invasive. 'A test which is less painful and more acceptable is to be welcomed by many. ' One of the key groups who may benefit from this test are Black women who more often receive a late-stage diagnosis for this cancer. 'The Eve Appeal is delighted to see this progress in research that the charity funded, resulting in a test that may be effective in the clinical setting. 'The WID-easy test could enable the many thousands of women who experience abnormal bleeding, and where cancer needs to be ruled out, to potentially avoid painful tests like hysteroscopies and have their minds put at rest sooner, saving them from unnecessary stress.'
