Ovarian cancer early detection test accuracy questioned in Australia
8 reported
Online advertisements in Australia are promoting early detection blood testing for ovarian cancer, calling the disease a "silent killer" and urging women to be "proactive." The test, offered by BCAL Diagnostics for $1,495, requires a GP referral and is marketed with symptoms including bloating, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. However, the company states the test is only designed for people with higher risk, such as those with family history or genetic factors, and is not a general screening test. The test has not been approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, and experts cited in the article raise concerns about its accuracy and potential harms. The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation noted limited peer-reviewed data, with a 2025 study including only 42 ovarian cancer samples. The manufacturer reports a sensitivity of 78.2% and a specificity of 94%, meaning it may miss about one in five cancer cases and produce false positives in about 6% of people without cancer.
What’s reported
Online ads call ovarian cancer a "silent killer" and promote early detection blood testing in Australia.
BCAL Diagnostics offers the test for $1,495, requiring a GP referral or telehealth appointment.
The company says the test is only for people with higher risk, not for general population screening.
The test has not been approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The manufacturer reports a sensitivity of 78.2% and a specificity of 94%.
A 2025 study on the test included only 42 ovarian cancer samples, according to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
Dr Barry Kramer, a former director of cancer prevention at the US National Cancer Institute, said a 6% false positive rate could lead to thousands of unnecessary follow-up tests and psychological distress.
Dr Brooke Nickel from the University of Sydney said there is no robust evidence that blood-based early detection tests improve health outcomes.
Key figures
Anne-Louise Arnett, chief executive of BCAL Diagnostics
Dr Barry Kramer, oncologist and former director of cancer prevention at the US National Cancer Institute
Dr Brooke Nickel, University of Sydney school of public health
Anita Dessaix, chair of the Cancer Council’s public health committee
David Hunt, research and policy director of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
Melissa Davey, Guardian Australia medical editor
Sources: The Guardian
