This leaflet is about a new test we are using to check for cancer of the womb lining.
About this test
Women who have bleeding during or after the menopause should have their womb checked. Around 3 out of 100 of these women have cancer of the womb lining (called ‘endometrial cancer’).
Until now, women would have needed a series of procedures to see if they have cancer. This may have included having a camera passed into their womb, and/or a sample (biopsy) taken from the lining of their womb. We now have a new test, called the 'WID-easy test'.
This new test has been developed to more accurately and quickly spot endometrial cancer. It does not give a final diagnosis but it does help guide next steps.
No test is perfect. Like any test, there is a small chance it may miss a cancer.
Before the test
Important
Follow these important instructions before your appointment.
- Tell us if you have had a cervical smear test in the 72 hours (3 days) before the appointment. If you have, the WID-easy test will need to be rescheduled.
- Avoid having sex for 24 hours before the test.
- Avoid using vaginal lubricants for 24 hours before the test. These may affect the quality of the sample taken.
- If you use medicines in or around your vagina, such as estradiol, you can continue using them as usual.
You are welcome to bring a friend or partner with you to your appointment.
Children are not allowed into the appointment. If you must bring a child, you must also bring a responsible adult to stay with them in the waiting area. If not, we will need to reschedule your appointment.
What happens during the test
When you arrive, we will ask you to complete a short questionnaire about your symptoms and past medical history.
During the appointment you will have the opportunity to ask questions. You can change your mind about the test at any time, even if you have said ‘yes’ previously.
Your appointment will be with a specially trained nurse. The whole process is much like having a cervical smear done. Your privacy and dignity will always be respected.
We will ask you to remove your clothing below the waist. We will make you comfortable, lying on your back on a couch with your legs raised up on supports. We will give you a sheet to cover yourself.
The nurse will insert a medical tool (called a speculum) into your vagina to gently widen the opening. They will then use a swab to wipe the opening to your womb (called the cervix) and behind your cervix. This takes less than 10 seconds. Then the speculum is removed and you can get dressed.
This test is not usually painful but you may feel minor discomfort. Remember, you can ask the nurse to stop at any time.
There is no special advice following your appointment. You can continue with your day as normal.
Results
We will send the sample swab to a lab for testing. The result will be ready a few days later. A member of the team will then contact you by telephone or text to explain the results and advise on the next steps.
Low risk
A 'low risk' result means it is very unlikely you have cancer. We will send you another appointment at the hospital within 6 to 8 weeks to discuss your symptoms and how best to treat or manage these.
High risk
A 'high risk' result means there is a higher risk that you have cancer. We will send you an appointment to see one of the medical team and be offered a hysteroscopy.
This involves using a thin tube with a small camera to look inside your womb. A small sample (biopsy) of the womb lining will also be taken.
It is important that you make every effort to attend this appointment and not delay your visit.
More information
More about the WID-easy test
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Gynaecology Department
Telephone:
Gynaecology Administrative Service: 020 8934 6407
Gynaecological Clinical Nurse: 020 8934 6326
Email: krft.gynaecology@nhs.net