An Early Detection Ovarian Cancer Test Has Been Developed

October 28, 2025

2 min read

Researchers from the USC Norris Cancer Center have developed a test system that utilizes a blood sample to distinguish malignant formations in the pelvic area from benign ones, even before the cancer moves to a dangerous stage.

Key takeaways

Researchers from the USC Norris Cancer Center have developed a test system that utilizes a blood sample to distinguish malignant formations in the pelvic area from benign ones, even before the cancer moves to a dangerous stage.
The earlier the better
Targeted approach

Who this is for

People exploring Preventive Oncology through ovarian cyst, cancer.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Dr. Natalie

Obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound doctor

The earlier the better

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It develops slowly and asymptomatically, so it often takes years to be detected. Because of this, 85 % of women are already beyond stage I at the time of diagnosis, which significantly reduces the chances of a favorable outcome. Until now, there have been no effective ways to detect the disease at the initial stage, as biopsy is not a diagnostic method for this type of cancer.

Targeted approach

The OvaPrint test utilizes liquid biopsy, a promising new way to detect the early stages of various types of cancer. Preclinical results published in the October 2023 issue of Clinical Cancer Research show that this simple test can determine whether a pelvic mass is benign or malignant more effectively than all other existing diagnostic methods. OvaPrint's 91 % accuracy rate means it has both high sensitivity and high specificity, while most other tests are high in one and low in the other.

If final trials confirm the test's efficacy, it will be used for widespread population screening and clinical use within two years.

What you need to know about ovarian cancer

Symptoms: These are absent in the early stages, but may appear over time: bloating and pressure in the abdomen, pain in the abdomen or pelvis, a quick feeling of fullness when eating, and frequent urges to urinate.

Risk Factors: The chances of having ovarian cancer are higher in women whose relatives have had this type of cancer, breast cancer, or colon cancer. Age (especially post-menopause) and obesity are also serious risk factors.

Diagnosis: In the presence of the first symptoms, it is necessary to undergo a rectovaginal examination of the pelvic area, transvaginal ultrasound or MRI, and take a blood test for cancer marker CA-125. The tests will help identify the neoplasm. However, to determine whether it is benign or malignant, it will be necessary to perform surgery to remove the suspicious tissue and send it for biopsy.

A pelvic ultrasound should be done once a year. Additionally, the ovaries will need to be examined.

Prevention: Women who have biological children are less likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who do not have biological children. The risk decreases with each subsequent pregnancy, as well as through breastfeeding. It is also lower in women who take birth control pills, especially long-term. To protect from ovarian cancer, women with a genetic predisposition to the disease sometimes have to undergo a serious procedure that includes a hysterectomy with removal of the uterus and removal of the ovaries.

Continue reading

Preventive Oncology#cancer

What Are the Chances of Inheriting Cancer?

There is a popular belief that cancer is hereditary and that if someone in your family was diagnosed with cancer, then all other close relatives are at risk. However, is this actually the case?

Dr. MarinaOct 28, 2025

Preventive Oncology#cancer

Tumor Markers: Find and Neutralize

Cancer is one of the biggest fears for many people. When an oncological disease is detected at an early stage, the chances of a favorable outcome increase significantly. Because of this, many believe that by taking tumor markers there is nothing to fear. But is this really true?

Dr. LilyOct 28, 2025

Pregnancy#pregnancy

Cheaper in Bulk: Peculiarities of Multiple Pregnancy

Pregnancy itself is a special condition, as it changes everything in a woman's body. When it comes to multiple pregnancies, there are twice as many surprises (or even three or more times more). What should you be aware of if you are expecting several babies at once?

Dr. NatalieOct 28, 2025

Women's health#ovarian cyst

Ovarian Cysts: To Treat or Not?

A cyst is a benign mass, which is a cavity filled with fluid and located on the surface of the organ. An ovarian cyst is quite common and may appear at any age. How dangerous are they?

Dr. HelgaOct 28, 2025

Install Ornament to not only read these articles, but also track your health, store test results, and access other useful features

Install Ornament