A simple tampon could potentially save the lives of thousands of women
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (PIX11) — Tampons could help detect ovarian cancer in women early, a new study suggests.
Findings from the study, released by Dr. Chip Landen of the University of Virginia Cancer Center, shows that tampons can carry DNA from the tumor. Early detection from the tampon could potentially save thousands of women, WTVR reported.
“Gynecologic malignancies such as cervical cancer can be detected at early stages through regular pap smears,” Landen told WTVR. “But similar screening is not available for ovarian cancer, which often presents in an advanced stage when the cancer has spread.”
Thirty-three women who received surgery for potential ovarian cancer participated in the study. They all inserted a tampon the night before the operation. Five of the women ended up having ovarian cancer and intact fallopian tubes. Out of the five women, three of them (60 percent) had DNA from the tumor in the tampon.
“While more research is needed to improve the sensitivity of the test, the fact that in some cases tumor DNA was found in the vaginal canal is promising,” Landen told the station.
“This is exciting proof that cancer cells can make it through the gynecologic tract and be detected in a noninvasive way with something as simple as a tampon.”
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (PIX11) — Tampons could help detect ovarian cancer in women early, a new study suggests.
Findings from the study, released by Dr. Chip Landen of the University of Virginia Cancer Center, shows that tampons can carry DNA from the tumor. Early detection from the tampon could potentially save thousands of women, WTVR reported.
“Gynecologic malignancies such as cervical cancer can be detected at early stages through regular pap smears,” Landen told WTVR. “But similar screening is not available for ovarian cancer, which often presents in an advanced stage when the cancer has spread.”
Thirty-three women who received surgery for potential ovarian cancer participated in the study. They all inserted a tampon the night before the operation. Five of the women ended up having ovarian cancer and intact fallopian tubes. Out of the five women, three of them (60 percent) had DNA from the tumor in the tampon.
“While more research is needed to improve the sensitivity of the test, the fact that in some cases tumor DNA was found in the vaginal canal is promising,” Landen told the station.
“This is exciting proof that cancer cells can make it through the gynecologic tract and be detected in a noninvasive way with something as simple as a tampon.”