New RUH test offers faster answers over post-menopausal bleeding

Women referred to the Royal United Hospital in Bath with bleeding after the menopause are set to receive quicker answers following the introduction of a new test.

The test swab which will help increase diagnosis at the RUH | Photo © RUH

The RUH is one of the first hospitals in England to introduce WID-easy for women experiencing post-menopausal bleeding or unscheduled bleeding while taking hormone replacement therapy.

The test is designed to help clinical teams establish whether a patient is at high or low risk of womb cancer, allowing the next stage of their care to be decided more quickly.

Although bleeding after the menopause is not usually caused by cancer, it should always be investigated.

Womb cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is the most common gynaecological cancer.

The RUH currently receives around 250 to 300 suspected cancer referrals each month linked to post-menopausal bleeding and unexpected bleeding while on HRT.

Consultant gynaecologist Dr Laura Atherton said: “This is a vital step forward for our patients. We know that being referred for cancer investigations is an incredibly worrying time. This test changes that by helping us quickly identify low-risk patients.

“For most women, it means avoiding procedures they simply do not need. For those flagged as higher risk, it means we can arrange further tests quickly and start treatment as early as possible if cancer is found.”

WID-easy uses a swab taken from the vagina and cervix in a similar way to a smear test, with the sample then sent to a laboratory for rapid analysis.

Patients identified as low risk can choose to be monitored rather than undergo immediate hospital investigations.

Those given a high-risk result can be prioritised for further tests, with treatment arranged quickly if cancer is diagnosed.

Dr Atherton added: “This is an exciting development for women’s health.

“Faster testing means many women could receive reassurance sooner, while ensuring those who need further investigations can be prioritised without delay.”