The WID-easy test is a breakthrough in women’s healthcare. It is a simple, rapid, and highly accurate swab test designed to detect endometrial (womb) cancer in perimenopausal and post-menopausal women, including some cancer types that can be missed by traditional ultrasound scans.
Developed by research collaborators at University College London and The Eve Appeal, this less invasive test offers a smarter, kinder, and more efficient way to help investigate the cause of abnormal bleeding and post-menopausal bleeding.
What Does It Screen For?
Endometrial Cancer: The test is specifically designed to detect cancer of the womb lining. It helps gynaecologists decide which patients with symptoms need urgent invasive tests and which can be safely reassured. Its exceptional accuracy significantly reduces the need for unnecessary procedures.
How does it work?
Simple Swab: A gynaecologist will gently take a sample from your cervix and vagina using a soft swab, much like a routine smear test. This is non-invasive and takes just moments.
Molecular Analysis: The sample is sent to a lab where it is analysed for specific chemical changes (DNA methylation) on genes known to be linked to endometrial cancer (GYPC & ZSCAN12).
Quick Results: The test provides an objective result indicating the likelihood of endometrial cancer, helping to guide your next steps.
Accuracy and Performance
The WID-easy test is supported by robust clinical evidence from international studies, including within the NHS.
- ~96.5% Sensitivity: It correctly identifies approximately 96.5 out of every 100 women who truly have endometrial cancer.
- >99% Negative Predictive Value (NPV): This is the most important result for you. If your test result is negative, there is a greater than 99% certainty that you do not have endometrial cancer.
- Fewer False Positives: It generates over 90% fewer false alarms compared to a transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVUS), meaning far fewer women undergo unnecessary and invasive follow-up tests without missing any cancers.
Who is this test for?
This test is designed for postmenopausal women or those with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) who are undergoing investigation to rule out endometrial cancer. Your gynaecologist may offer it as a first-line test to determine if you need a more invasive procedure.
WID-easy can also be used for patients for whom ultrasound is difficult to obtain an accurate result, for example if you have fibroids.
Benefits of the WID-easy test
- Patient-Friendly: A simple swab is much kinder than invasive procedures like biopsies or hysteroscopies, reducing anxiety, discomfort, and recovery time.
- Highly Accurate: Provides exceptional reassurance with a negative result and effectively identifies those needing further care.
- Fast & Efficient: Helps accelerate the diagnostic pathway, reducing long waits and uncertainty.
- Sustainable: Contributes to a more efficient healthcare system by reducing the number of unnecessary ultrasounds and invasive procedures, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the test painful or invasive?
A: No. The sample is collected with a simple swab of the vagina and cervix, which may cause mild discomfort but is not painful and is far less invasive than other diagnostic procedures.
Q: What does a positive test result mean?
A: A positive result means there is a signal associated with endometrial cancer. It is not a final diagnosis. Your gynaecologist will recommend a follow-up procedure, such as a biopsy or hysteroscopy, to confirm the result.
Q: What does a negative test result mean?
A: A negative result is highly reassuring. It means with >99% certainty that you do not have endometrial cancer. Your gynaecologist will then discuss other potential causes for your symptoms.
Q: Can this test replace an ultrasound or biopsy?
A: It is not a direct replacement but a powerful triage tool. It can help avoid unnecessary ultrasounds and biopsies for women at low risk.
Q: How is this different from a smear test?
A: A smear test (Pap test) screens for cervical cancer by looking for abnormal cells or HPV. The WID-easy test screens for endometrial cancer by detecting specific DNA changes from the womb lining, which can be collected with a similar swab.
eGynaecologist Advice
- It is important to discuss your symptoms of abnormal bleeding or post-menopausal bleeding and personal risk factors with your gynaecologist to decide on the best management plan for you, including the option of less invasive WID-easy test.
- If your WID-easy test returns with a positive result, a biopsy of womb lining is still needed for a definitive diagnosis of endometrial cancer.
