Ovarian cancer belongs to a group of diseases with the least amount of survival rate. Recently, a new screening program is formed in hopes of reducing the number of deaths caused by it.
A team consisting of British and Australian researchers formed a screening program called Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA). This test's main purpose is to measure and interpret the changing levels of a blood protein that is called 'CA 125.' This blood component has been linked to one of the causes of ovarian cancer.
During the onset of the 14-year study, researchers gathered and processed data of over 200,000 women whose age bracket ranges from 54 to 79. One part of the experiment is assigning the women into three groups. The first one is the group that will undergo blood tests and ultrasound if something different comes up, the second group on the other hand will receive transvaginal exam. However, the last group for the experiment did not undergo any screening tests at all.
For more than 10 years, the researchers gave the women annual blood tests and ultrasound scan. And when the study period ended, they were able to record over 1,200 participants getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Out of the number of diagnosed women, over 600 have died even before the experiment concluded. And after comparing the numbers, the researchers were able to determine that proper annual screening tests can help a woman lessen the risk of acquiring ovarian cancer, or even dying from one.
According to Dr. Fiona Reddington, head of the population search for the Cancer Research UK, the trial has been very helpful as it gave them a deeper understanding of ovarian cancer. She also stressed the importance of detecting it early so that more women will have better treatment options and better chances of living.
