Doctors at the University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS foundation trust have created a diagnostic test designed to identify womb cancer in women who experience bleeding after menopause. The test analyzes cells collected from urine and vaginal fluid samples, offering a non-invasive alternative to current diagnostic methods.
Traditional womb cancer testing involves invasive procedures including internal ultrasound scans, biopsies of the womb lining, and hysteroscopy, in which a camera is inserted into the womb. These approaches are costly and can cause discomfort to patients. While postmenopausal bleeding typically triggers urgent cancer referrals, only approximately 5% to 10% of women reporting such bleeding actually have underlying cancer.
Researchers conducted a study involving 1,864 women at seven hospitals in north-west England who provided both urine and vaginal fluid samples before undergoing standard diagnostic testing. Among the study population, 5% (99 women) received womb cancer diagnoses through biopsy or surgery. When evaluated by trained cytologists, the new test successfully identified 80 of the 99 cancers and correctly returned negative results for 93% of women without womb cancer. The findings were published in the journal Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health.
Researchers noted the test is most effective as a triage tool rather than a standalone diagnostic method. It could prioritize high-risk women for urgent investigation while deferring invasive procedures for lower-risk patients who might undergo repeat sampling if symptoms persist. However, researchers cautioned that outcomes depended on highly trained specialist cytologists performing the analysis, and effectiveness in other clinical settings remains unclear. The test has not been evaluated in asymptomatic women.
Prof Emma Davidson stated the approach could transform care for thousands of women annually if future studies confirm effectiveness in routine practice, allowing earlier reassurance for many while identifying those requiring immediate investigation.
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