Wednesday, September 21, 2016

FDA Warns Against Ovarian Cancer Screening Test

Originally published by Blizzard & Nabers Blog.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication warning women ovarian cancer screening tests are inaccurate. The FDA is concerned women and their physicians may make important treatment decisions based on inaccurate test results.

Abcodia is a privately held London-based company with a U.S. office in Boston, Massachusetts. The company has marketed the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) test since last December. The test measures the level of a specific protein in the blood, CA-125; this protein is found in greater amounts in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. However, the test is far from perfect as there are a variety of reasons a patient could have elevated CA-125 levels, and this could lead to false positives in the ROCA test.

The FDA wants women to know “there are currently no screening tests for ovarian cancer that are sensitive enough to reliably screen for ovarian cancer without a high number of inaccurate results.”

How Common Is Ovarian Cancer?

While ovarian cancer only comprises 3% of all cancers found in women in the U.S., it is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Ovarian cancer is particularly deadly because more than 60% of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Diagnosis comes with a five-year survival rate of only 29%.

Rise In Ovarian Cancer Screenings

With an increasing number of baby powder lawsuits, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the link between the talc in baby powder and ovarian cancer. 2016 already saw two multimillion-dollar verdicts, and news coverage over the trials has helped spread awareness of ovarian cancer. For women who are concerned their baby powder usage puts them at risk for ovarian cancer, screening tests like the ROCA test is likely a tempting option. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work.

Blizzard & Nabers: Baby Powder Cancer Attorneys

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with ovarian cancer from long-term baby powder use, the experienced attorneys at Blizzard & Nabers can help you understand the legal options. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We handle all of our cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we help you recover compensation.

Curated by Texas Bar Today. Follow us on Twitter @texasbartoday.



from Texas Bar Today http://ift.tt/2ctLFJM
via Abogado Aly Website

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