Leading researchers are pioneering a groundbreaking test that could predict a woman's risk of developing four major cancers using just a routine cervical screening sample.
Ovarian cancer accounts for the highest mortality among gynecological cancers. In 75% of cases, it is diagnosed at an advanced stage when tumors have metastasized, underscoring the urgent need for earlier detection to boost survival rates.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women and the top cause of cancer-related deaths in France. Typically identified via mammograms and biopsies, its detection could soon evolve dramatically.
Two studies published in Nature Communications reveal that analyzing endocervical cells—the cells lining the cervix—from routine Pap smears could enable early detection or risk prediction for ovarian and breast cancers, potentially transforming survival outcomes.
Led by Martin Widschwendter at the University of Innsbruck, one study examined endocervical samples from 242 women with ovarian cancer and 869 without. By assessing 14,000 epigenetic changes, the team identified a distinct DNA signature. This approach detected ovarian cancer in 71.4% of women under 50 and 54.5% of those over 50, with 75% specificity.
A parallel study analyzed samples from 329 women with aggressive breast cancer and 869 cancer-free women, identifying cases with over 75% accuracy based on epigenetic signatures. These findings held up in validation with smaller sample sets.
"Creating a single screening tool for the four most common women's cancers—especially those hardest to catch early—from one test could be revolutionary," says Athena Lamnisos, Managing Director of the Eve Appeal, which supports European Research Council-funded studies, in comments to The Guardian.
Ongoing research is evaluating this test's potential for endometrial (uterus) and cervical cancers as well.
In the future, this innovation could personalize cancer prevention. Women might receive tailored risk scores for each of the four cancers, prompting enhanced monitoring, frequent mammograms, or preventive surgeries for those at highest risk.
