According to the statistics from the World Cancer Research Fund, in 2022, about 417,000 new cases of womb cancer (endometrial cancer) worldwide, and 97,370 women died from this disease.
What is Endometrial Cancer?
Endometrial cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. This type of cancer can be diagnosed in its early stages with symptoms like irregular vaginal bleeding. However, sometimes this symptom can be missed, which can worsen a disease and its progression.
If endometrial cancer is found early, the uterus can be cured. That is where the WID-easy test can play an important role in detecting it early, simply and effectively.
What is the WID-easy test
In 2020, this breakthrough test was developed by researchers at University College London (UCL) in collaboration with the University of Innsbruck and with the support of The Eve Appeal (a UK-based charity that raises awareness and funds research for the five main types of genealogical cancers).
WID-easy test is a quick, simple, and impactful genetic test designed to help diagnose and analyze abnormal bleeding during or after the menopause. Instead of exposing patients to complicated and invasive diagnostic procedures, this test uses a simple swab, very similar to a cervical smear. The sample, which will be analyzed in a lab, is collected from the vagina and just behind the cervix.
What makes WID-easy so effective? Well, it is its ability to detect tiny changes in DNA – specifically methylation biomarkers on two genes (GYPC and ZSCAN12). These changes can signal the presence and development of cancer in the womb lining. What is more, it gives clear and accurate information that can help medical professionals to provide guidance easily and faster, which will not include going into more invasive testing unless it is necessary.
Advantages of the WID-easy test
- Accurate – this test shows great results like reduced need for follow-up procedures by over 90% percent without missing any cancer.
- Fast – usually, results are available within just a few weeks.
What makes this test different?
- Non-invasive approach: sample collection is simple and gentle. This cannot cause any discomfort or pain. There is no need for sedation, a hospital visit, or recovery time.
- Highly accurate results: Clinical studies and scientific research show that WID-easy tests can significantly reduce unnecessary follow-up investigations.
- Fast turnaround: During analysis, professionals in the lab use a technique called PCR (similar to how COVID tests were processed), which is why patient can access their results within justa few days
- Works in more complex cases: This test is especially helpful for women who have fibroids, a higher BMI, or inconclusive imaging results—offering additional diagnostic clarity when other tests leave questions unanswered.
How does it work?
Step by step:
- A soft swab is gently inserted into the vagina and around the cervix.
- It rotates slowly for a few seconds to collect cells.
- The swab is placed into a special transport tube.
- The sample is safely sealed and sent to a laboratory.
- The lab uses PCR (just like COVID testing) to analyse the DNA.
- Results are returned within 7-10 days.
- Your doctor will then talk through the results and next steps with you.
Final words
This is another impressive life-saving tool that can be taken as an example of how medicine is developing with the help of great minds, scientists, innovators, and medical professionals. By combining all their powers, including technology and gene editing methods, lives are saved every hour.
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