Scientists have identified a new group of genes that may be able to predict the risk of a woman developing ovarian cancer according to a new report.
This is a significant development in that it could help detect this form of cancer earlier than it is currently being detected.
As of now this form of cancer is a bigger killer of women that all other gynecological cancers combined and as many as thirteen thousand women in the US die from this cancer each year.
Ovarian cancer can remain asymptomatic for a long time and may therefore be fairly advanced before it is finally detected, leaving victims with fewer options of treatment.
Now this new finding however will help women identify their risk of developing ovarian cancer, so that there could be closer surveillance to monitor any developing cancer in women who are identified as high risk.
Further this finding is important because preventive measures can also be taken by and for these women who are seen to be genetically at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Andrew Berchuck, MD, professor of gynecologic oncology at Duke University Medical Center, has indicated that this research could be significant for these and other reasons.
