The test is called ROMA, which stands for Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm, and researchers say it can diagnose more cases of ovarian cancer at earlier stages than existing tests.
“With Modality-run GP surgeries trialling the ROMA test we will be able to establish if it is acceptable to patients and clinicians,” Sudha Sundar, a professor at the University of Birmingham and consultant in gynecological cancer surgery at SWB NHS Trust, said in the release. Symptoms for ovarian cancer include bloating, stomach pain, needing to urinate more often and always feeling full. Additional symptoms can be abnormal vaginal bleeding, frequent discharge that is coloured differently than usual, a lump in the pelvis or abdomen or a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, chest or legs, among other symptoms.
The new ROMA blood test is more sensitive than the CA-125 blood test, researchers say — something they’re hoping this trial will prove.