Revolution in the intimate area: New pad detects ovarian cancer!

Revolution in the intimate area: New pad detects ovarian cancer!

A research team at ETH Zurich has developed an innovative technology called “MenstruAI” that is used to examine menstrual blood for signs of serious diseases. This promising technology could provide evidence of ovarian cancer in particular and thus represents a preventative early warning system. Women can simply take a photo of the pad they are using with their smartphone and the analysis is carried out using a specially developed app. However, it is important to emphasize that the technology cannot replace a medical procedure and should only be viewed as a complementary tool. The combination of the term “MenstruAI” from menstruation and artificial intelligence reflects the innovative nature of this development, which is aimed primarily at the early detection of diseases such as ovarian cancer or endometriosis.

The development takes time and requires further research, but it could soon help to detect serious diseases in good time. The importance of early detection cannot be overemphasized, especially in cancer, where the timing of diagnosis is critical to the chances of recovery.

Endometriosis and ovarian cancer

A new study shows that severe forms of endometriosis carry a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer. Women suffering from deep infiltrating endometriosis are almost 19 times more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The symptoms are varied and range from severe menstrual pain to chronic pelvic pain to irregular cycles.

The diagnosis is often too late because the symptoms are mistakenly perceived as normal period pain. Research involving over 450,000 women has shown a clear link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer, with 597 women developing ovarian cancer. Particularly alarming is the increased risk for the different types of ovarian cancer: Type I has a 7.5-fold increased risk, while Type II has a 3.7-fold increased risk. Genetic factors could play a role, as the development of malignant cells from endometriosis lesions can be traced.

Early detection through technology

Early detection of ovarian cancer is crucial because the chances of recovery decrease significantly in advanced stages. Recommended screening methods that could help women include regular pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasound, and the CA-125 blood test. Women with a genetic predisposition or severe forms of endometriosis should pay particular attention to symptoms and seek regular medical advice.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in the early detection of diseases, not only cancer, but also heart problems and Alzheimer's disease. Studies show that AI algorithms can assist in the analysis of medical data and that the forecasts are more precise than the traditional assessments of medical professionals. In the future, this could also be important in the early detection of complex diseases such as ovarian cancer, where the prognosis situation is often dramatic.

Overall, the combination of new technology and increased knowledge of risks, such as those applicable to endometriosis and its connections to other diseases, represents a promising advance in preventive healthcare for women. However, the need to fully educate women about the symptoms and possible risks remains a central concern.