“Early detection blood testing” for ovarian cancer “is now available in Australia”, the online ads say, warning that “it’s not just women with a family history” who can be diagnosed.

The ad calls the cancer a “silent killer” and says women who wish to be “proactive” can visit a website for early detection. It lists general symptoms including bloating, pelvic pain and the urge to urinate more frequently as potential signs of the disease.

The website offers ovarian cancer testing for $1,495. People need a referral from a GP, and can either ask their own doctor or book a telehealth appointment through the website.

Who should get an early detection test for ovarian cancer?

While the ads seemingly target any woman who might be concerned by symptoms and who wants to be proactive, BCAL Diagnostics, which runs the early detection site, said the test was only designed for people with higher risk of ovarian cancer– those with a family history, genetic risk factors or other factors their doctors may have flagged.

“It is not positioned as a general population screening test, a standalone diagnostic test, or a replacement for specialist clinical assessment or surveillance,” said BCAL’s chief executive, Anne-Louise Arnett.

A blood test, it works by extracting fragments of DNA shed into the bloodstream, then scanning those for subtle chemical tags and genetic patterns that cancer........

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