New study highlights the importance of early detection in improving survival rates

A recent study has revealed that a quarter of women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer—the most aggressive form of the disease—are diagnosed in its early stages, thanks to a fast-track pathway that prioritises testing and specialist care. This early detection, the researchers claim, significantly improves the chances of survival and enables relatively straightforward surgery even when the cancer has spread.

The study, which analysed data from the Refining Ovarian Cancer Test accuracy Scores (ROCkeTS) across 24 UK hospitals, found that 25.2% of women diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer were in stages one or two, a crucial time when treatment is most effective. Survival rates for these patients exceed 93% after five years, compared to just 13% for those diagnosed at advanced stages.

Currently, there is no national screening programme for ovarian cancer in the UK, although symptom-triggered testing was introduced in 2011. Women experiencing symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, or appetite changes are now prioritised for blood tests and ultrasound scans. If the results are abnormal, they are referred to a hospital within two weeks for further investigation.

Professor Sudha Sundar, from the Pan Birmingham Gynaecological Cancer Centre, stated that while the benefits of this testing method have been debated, the study’s findings highlight that early detection is not only possible but can be achieved with relatively simple procedures. “We’ve shown that early detection is possible, even in women with symptoms, which was previously uncertain,” she explained.

Out of the 119 women diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer in the study, the majority required surgery to remove cancerous cells from their abdomen. However, a significant number of these surgeries were not as complex as previously feared, due to the disease being identified at an earlier stage.

Prof Sundar hopes the results, published in the International Journal of Gynaecological Cancer, will encourage both GPs and women to be more vigilant about potential symptoms. “We want GPs to be more aware of the importance of testing, especially in older women, and to encourage women to speak up if something doesn’t feel right,” she said.

Cancer Research UK estimates that 7,500 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, with early detection making a significant impact on survival outcomes. The study serves as a call to action for greater awareness and improved early diagnosis across the healthcare system.