New Research Brings Hope of Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer Detection  

Detecting ovarian cancer earlier is complex, but new research is showing promise in diagnosing it sooner.

Affecting one in 75 Canadian females, ovarian cancer is a group of diseases caused by abnormal cell growth in or near the ovaries that can spread to other parts of the body.¹ Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in urinary habits, however these symptoms can point to other conditions and are often overlooked.² Combined with the lack of effective early screening tests, ovarian cancer is particularly challenging to detect, and many cases are not diagnosed until the more advanced stages.³

However, Canadian researchers are making promising strides towards lifesaving early detection. Dr. Andrea Neilson, a Vancouver-based gynecologic oncologist, is developing a non-invasive imaging tool that would detect cancer cells in the fallopian tubes before they multiply into tumours, which would aid in early detection and lead to better treatment options. 

Dr. Neilson and her team are developing a new tool that would detect abnormal cells in the fallopian tubes before they become cancerous. “This is a very ambitious project. Things like this have been studied before, but not with today’s biomedical technology,” says Dr. Neilson. “This is really novel because it does not require any other incisions and has minimal downtime, pain, and recovery afterwards. If we’re successful, it allows somebody who may be at a higher risk of ovarian cancer to be imaged.” 

Breakthroughs in early-stage detection

Jeanie Malone, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at the British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, is working with Dr. Neilson on the first human trial that will use imaging catheters to collect three-dimensional imaging of fallopian tubes for early-stage cancer detection.  

“We can see the cancers, and then that could guide some treatment decisions for patients, especially folks who have a hereditary predisposition,” says Dr. Malone. “Perhaps you could do this as a monitoring procedure to help preserve an organ for a little bit of time, or perhaps it might have a place in early detection and screening in the future, in a broader population.” 

This fall, in partnership with Ovarian Cancer Canada – a national health charity dedicated to supporting people affected by ovarian cancer – Dr. Malone and Dr. Neilson will begin recruiting patients with advanced ovarian cancer for the clinical trial.  

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Closing the gap in ovarian cancer care

In Canada, an estimated 3,100 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and 56 per cent of women die within five years of diagnosis.⁴ Ron McInnis’ wife, Carol Lee, was one of them. After a 15-month journey with advanced ovarian cancer, she passed away in January 2021, leaving behind McInnis, their daughter Lindsay, and a close circle of friends and family who remember her strength, kindness, and courage.  

“She was full of life,” says Ron. “She golfed, she curled, she biked, she was an artist, but it all changed so quickly.” High school sweethearts, the two looked forward to seeing their grandchildren grow up and spending time in Prince Edward Island. But after a 15-month journey with advanced ovarian cancer, she passed away in January 2021.” 

To commemorate the fifth anniversary of Carol Lee’s passing, McInnis organized an online fundraiser in her memory to support ovarian cancer research. Increased funding can help close gaps in care, improve early detection, and lead to better treatment options. Ultimately improving quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.  

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Learn more and donate at ovariancanada.org.

1. Ovarian Cancer Canada. Prevention and Genetic Mutations. ↩︎
2. Ovarian Cancer Canada. Symptoms and Detection. ↩︎
3. Ovarian Cancer Canada. Symptoms and Detection. ↩︎
4. Ovarian Cancer Canada. Ovarian Cancer Facts 2023  ↩︎