New ovarian cancer blood test could reduce deaths by a fifth

14-year study hailed as landmark step in devising effective screening, but concludes more research needed before national programme is introduced

An annual blood test could reduce the numbers of deaths from ovarian cancer by about a fifth, according to new research.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynaecological malignancies, and early detection could save lives. The researchers calculate that for every 10,000 women who take blood tests for at least seven and up to 11 years, the programme could prevent at least 15 deaths.