Almost 25%, that's one in four, cases of ovarian cancer are inherited according to new research. Scientists are now developing a genetic blood test being developed to screen for inherited ovarian cancer.
Work has already started on designing the blood test but it is not yet ready for general use. The test looks at 22 specific genes that are known to predispose women to ovarian cancer.
The new test is being developed by scientists at the University of Washington in Seattle. There are some genetic tests currently in use but the new test would be a huge improvement according to Elizabeth Swisher, MD.
Dr Swisher told WebMD that current tests onnly detect up to 15% of inherited cancers. The new test could deliver significantly higher returns. The results of Washington University's research, which worked with 284 women suffering from ovarian cancer, were shared by Swisher at Society of Gynecologic Oncology's Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer.
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