Scientists working on single test to detect risk of four cancers in women

Scientists are working on a screening test to predict the risk of four cancers in women from samples collected from a routine cervical screening.

Researchers say the test could be a game changer, in which experts may be able to predict the risk of developing ovarian, breast, womb and cervical cancers using cells from a smear test.

Dr Chiara Herzog, postdoctoral researcher at the EUTOPS Institute, University of Innsbruck, told Morning Report the four cancers accounted for more than half of all cancers for women.

While screening existed for breast cancer, there was none for ovarian cancer, which was often discovered in late stages, she said.

"Currently half of those cancers are detected at quite advanced stages where five-year survival is below 25 percent.

"If we could detect those earlier that could really be a game changer, because in early stages the survival for five years diagnosis is almost 95 percent."

Herzog said the cervical screening sample had the potential to predict individual risk for several cancers including breast and ovarian cancer.

Scientists used used DNA methylation - a form of epigenetics which integrates the genetic and environmental contributors to cancer - in their research on developing the test.

Herzog said factors that could be associated with cancer development, such as diet, smoking and ageing, leave "footprints" on cells.

"With our new tests we basically take samples from cervical screening and look for these patterns and epigenetic footprints that are associated with cancers."

"We are at the very early stages and we have shown a 'proof of principle' that it can work, but obviously in the future there will be more studies where we can show what percentage or how likely are you as an individual [to develop the four types of cancer]."

The aim would be to have an assessment of risk so a person could either have further testing or their physician could recommend risk-reducing measures, she said.