But in many cases, it’s not found until it’s far along. That’s because ovarian cancer, especially in the early stages, often shows no obvious symptoms.

A breakthrough test, though, may be on its way. Last month, Atlanta’s Ovarian Cancer Institute, in collaboration with Georgia Tech, announced a new metabolic detection method for early-stage ovarian cancer that the researchers say is very accurate.

Their research has been published in Nature’s online journal Scientific Reports.

“By the time ovarian cancer is detected, it’s usually too late,” said Dr. Benedict Benigno, founder and CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Institute and director of gynecologic oncology at Northside Hospital in Atlanta.

“Existing screening methods such as pelvic examinations, ultrasounds and CA-125 blood tests are notoriously unreliable,” he said. “We are thrilled to provide women with such a highly accurate test,” he said.

“We’re very, very excited about this,’’ he added, noting that the test will cost just $2 to run.

To read more or to watch a GHN video interview with Benigno, courtesy of Northside Hospital, click here.