Women experiencing unusual bleeding can now benefit from a new, less invasive test to help rule out womb cancer. The test, called WID-easy, has just been approved for use in the UK and could make a big difference in diagnosing the disease more quickly and comfortably.
What is WID-easy?
WID-easy is a new test that works in a similar way to COVID-19 PCR tests. Instead of needing an internal scan or a painful hysteroscopy, this test uses a simple swab that is sent to a lab to check for changes in DNA linked to womb cancer.
If the test finds signs of cancer, further tests like a biopsy will still be needed. However, if the results are clear, women may be able to avoid more invasive procedures altogether.
Why is this important?
Right now, women with symptoms of womb cancer—such as abnormal bleeding—are usually tested using a transvaginal ultrasound or a hysteroscopy (where a small camera is inserted into the womb). These procedures can be uncomfortable or even painful.
Research has shown that WID-easy is just as good as ultrasound at detecting womb cancer but gives fewer false positives. This means fewer women will have to go through unnecessary procedures.
Who can get the test?
The test has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for women over 45 who have unusual bleeding. It is now available in private clinics, and experts hope it will be introduced to the NHS in the future.
A breakthrough for women’s health
The test was developed by researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of Innsbruck. It was tested in a study published in The Lancet Oncology in 2023, showing it to be a reliable and less invasive option.
Professor Martin Widschwendter, the scientist behind WID-easy, said:
“This is the first test of its kind in the UK. We are proud to have developed a simple, effective test that addresses an urgent need in women’s health.”
Athena Lamnisos, from The Eve Appeal, a cancer charity that helped fund the research, added:
“The usual test for womb cancer, a hysteroscopy, can be painful and stressful. A less invasive test is a huge step forward.”
She also highlighted that this could especially help Black women, who are more likely to receive a late-stage diagnosis for womb cancer.
What happens next?
The hope is that WID-easy will soon become widely available on the NHS, making it easier and less painful for women to be tested for womb cancer.
For now, if you are experiencing abnormal bleeding, speak to your GP. Early detection is key to better outcomes, and this new test could be a game-changer for many women.
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How to Support your Hormonal Health at Every Stage of Life