Breakthrough in Early Detection: Private Blood Testing for Ovarian and Pancreatic Cancers

The Avantect Pancreatic Cancer Test has the ability to detect early signs of pancreatic cancer in high-risk patients. The test identifies specific tumour-derived DNA or proteins in the blood, often before noticeable symptoms are present. Early performance indicators have seen this testing receive international recognition, and has been selected for evaluation in major studies such as PRECEDE and the Vanguard study.

Pancreatic cancer progresses subtly, often without notice, and early detection is almost never achieved. Once symptoms appear, the disease has already advanced, and survival rates drop drastically.

The same is true of ovarian cancer, where early symptoms often resemble other conditions such as endometriosis or menopause. Due to this, 70 per cent of patients receive a diagnosis in the later stages of the disease.

‘Surveillance of high-risk individuals is an important area of focus and innovation like this can bring us one step closer to early detection, but until clinical trials are complete, we recommend this test be used alongside standard screening advice,’ says Michelle Stewart, CEO of Pankind Pancreatic Cancer Australia.
Locally, this testing is available at the High-Risk Clinic at Sydney Breast Clinic.

This new rollout comes in time for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in February, where Australians are asked to wear teal and raise awareness for the underfunded, deadly disease.

Not-for-profit Ovarian Cancer Australia is hoping to raise for the cause, highlighted on the organisation’s annual Giving Day taking place on Wednesday the 18th of February.

The goal is to raise $550,000 on the day.