Researchers in Wales are developing groundbreaking at-home tests that could detect breast cancer, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), potentially revolutionizing women’s healthcare and reducing long diagnostic delays.
Within the next year, scientists hope to launch a prototype kit capable of identifying early-stage breast cancer using a simple urine sample. A similar approach is being explored for endometriosis and PCOS, conditions that are often underdiagnosed or discovered after lengthy waiting periods.
Professor Luis Mur, from Aberystwyth University, said the tests work by detecting key changes in urine that can indicate breast cancer with high accuracy. “We’ve found very important changes in urine to tell you’ve got breast cancer, and even which stage of breast cancer,” Mur explained. “We’re building small kits that can be used at a GP surgery or even at home.”
The same methodology is being adapted to identify endometriosis and PCOS, where diagnoses are frequently delayed.
These initiatives are part of Wales’ broader push to improve women’s health, backed by the Welsh government’s £75 million investment in research under the 10-year women’s health plan. Professor Mur noted that developing lateral flow prototypes could take 18 months, followed by three to five years of testing to ensure consistent accuracy. “We need to have 90% accuracy or greater. At the moment, we’ve achieved that in trials, but the kit itself must meet this standard,” he said.
Dr. Helen Munro, clinical lead for women’s health in Wales, highlighted the importance of translating research into clinical practice more rapidly. “Currently, it can take 17 years for evidence to get into practice. In Wales, we’re working closely with universities and health boards to shorten that gap,” she said.
The women’s health plan also calls for dedicated women’s health hubs in each health board. By the end of March, every health board in Wales will have at least one hub serving its community, although the structure of each hub will vary.
In west and mid Wales, the Hywel Dda health board has divided the region into seven GP clusters, each with its own women’s health service. GPs in these clusters have been trained to provide menopause and contraceptive care, and can accept referrals from other surgeries, bringing specialist services closer to patients.
Dr. Lauren Thomas, a sexual health doctor training GPs in remote areas, said community-based clinics could dramatically reduce waiting times. “Women currently wait months for specialist appointments for pelvic pain or endometriosis. By expanding services in GP surgeries, including ultrasound biopsies, women can access care locally,” she said.
Despite differences in how hubs operate, all are required to focus on three priority areas: menopause care, contraception, and pelvic health. Sarah Murphy MS, the Welsh government minister responsible for women’s health, said the aim is to identify best practices across the country and expand them to all communities. “Each health board is starting from different places. They’re breaking down barriers and filling gaps, and we will evaluate and share what works best across Wales,” Murphy said.
