Women who have bleeding after menopause will be able to get clearer answers sooner, thanks to a new test being introduced at Bath’s RUH.
It is one of the first hospitals in England to launch the WID-easy test for women referred with post-menopausal bleeding or bleeding on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The test helps clinical teams quickly understand whether someone is at high or low risk of womb cancer, so they can plan the right next steps.
Bleeding after the menopause is not usually caused by cancer, but it should always be checked. Womb cancer, also called endometrial cancer, is the most common gynaecological cancer. The RUH receives around 250- 300 suspected cancer referrals every month for symptoms linked to post-menopausal bleeding and unscheduled bleeding on HRT.
Consultant Gynaecologist Dr Laura Atherton said: “This is a vital step forward for our patients. We know that being referred for cancer investigations is an incredibly worrying time. This test changes that by helping us quickly identify low-risk patients.
“For most women, it means avoiding procedures they simply do not need. For those flagged as higher risk, it means we can arrange further tests quickly and start treatment as early as possible if cancer is found.”
The WID-easy test uses a swab taken from the vagina and cervix like a smear test. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for rapid testing.
The result shows whether a patient is at low or high risk of womb cancer. People who receive a low-risk result can safely opt for monitoring instead of immediate hospital investigations. If a high-risk result is returned, further tests and treatment can be arranged quickly.
“This is an exciting development for women’s health. Faster testing means many women could receive reassurance sooner, while ensuring those who need further investigations can be prioritised without delay,” added Dr Atherton.
