Ovarian Cancer Screening

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with approximately 6,000 cases being diagnosed every year in the UK. Women diagnosed in the early stages have the highest chance of being cured. Ovarian cancer is the abnormal growth and division of cells in the ovary. The tumour can invade local areas and spread to other areas of the abdomen.

Who should consider having ovarian cancer screening?

• Women with a family history of Ovarian cancer and or related cancers such as breast, bowel and endometrial cancer
• Women with an inherited BRCA gene mutation
• As there is increasing awareness of Ovarian cancer, many women simply wish to have the reassurance of having their ovaries checked, especially if they have a friend who has developed the disease

How is Ovarian cancer diagnosed?

Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose because the ovaries are an inaccessible organ hidden deep within the pelvis. As there are also no symptoms until the later stages, this makes it increasingly more difficult. At the later stages, symptoms include abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea or pain during intercourse.

What is included in the Screening for Ovarian cancer?

• Consultation with Consultant Gynaecologist & Gynae-Oncologist Mr Jay Chatterjee
• Transvaginal Scan
• Blood tests (CA125, CEA, Ca19-9)
• Follow-up appointment to discuss the results (video call)

Whilst neither of these tests alone or together are 100% conclusive, they can at least go some way to alleviating worry regarding problems with the ovaries, especially if repeated checks are performed for comparison (serial testing). The Ovarian Screening appointment costs £850.

 

What happens if an abnormality is found?

The findings will be explained to you by your Consultant Gynaecologist, and you may be referred immediately for further treatment. In many circumstances, endometriosis cysts can look like early cancers, and it is important to remember that most of these cysts will be benign. Nevertheless, it is important to have them checked out.

Consultant Jay Chatterjee discusses Ovarian Cancer