New screening test could improve diagnosis delays

A new five-minute screening test developed by researchers at The University of Queensland could help tackle one of the biggest challenges facing people with endometriosis: the long wait for diagnosis.

Known as the Simplified Adolescent Factors for Endometriosis (SAFE) score, the tool uses a short questionnaire to help identify young people who may be at risk of endometriosis. The goal is simple but powerful — spot potential symptoms earlier and fast-track referrals to specialists for further investigation.

The SAFE score is a simple questionnaire designed to help identify people who may be at higher risk of endometriosis — particularly adolescents and young people who have recently started menstruating.

For a condition that has an average diagnosis time of 6.5 years, this kind of early screening could make a significant difference.

Endometriosis Australia’s Dr Rebecca Dean said the new screening tool could be used to help people with pelvic pain access specialised care.

“As a Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecologist, I see young women everyday suffering with pelvic pain impacting their quality of life,” Dr Dean said.

“This SAFE score helps guide referrals in primary care to specialist services. The more risk factors identified, the higher a woman’s score and the greater likelihood of the condition.

“Improved targeted referral pathways will help lessen this burden for young women, and is the start of the therapeutic pathway for adolescents with endometriosis,” Dr Dean concluded.

It is estimated that 1 in 7 Australian women, girls and presumed female at birth live with endometriosis.

But the diagnosis time on average is 6.5 years.

Professor Gita Mishra AO, Director of the Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre at The University of Queensland, said improving early detection is a major priority.

“The test uses six questions to detect girls or young women at risk of endometriosis and in need of further assessment,” Professor Mishra explained.

“Identifying which patients should be referred and treated is challenging and improving how patients are diagnosed is a major priority.

Long diagnostic delays can have significant impacts on quality of life. People living with endometriosis often experience years of unmanaged pain, disruptions to education or work, and challenges with fertility.

Detecting the condition earlier could help ensure people receive appropriate treatment and symptom management sooner.

“By detecting endometriosis earlier — ideally in adolescents as soon as they begin their periods — we hope the tool will reduce the average six-to-eight-year diagnostic delay so we can start treatment as early as possible,” Professor Mishra said.