Ovarian Cancer Screening At London Ultrasound Centre

Ovarian Cancer Screening

For women at risk of cancer of the ovaries

Click on a question or scroll down to read more.

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What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth arising from different parts of the ovary.

Cancer of the ovaries is the fourth most common women's cancer after breast, bowel and lung cancer.

Each year nearly 7,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with the diease, and tragically 4,400 of those die from the effects of ovarian cancer.

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Who is more at risk of Ovarian Cancer?
Women over 50, those with a family history of ovarian cancer and those who have had breast cancer are considered most at risk.

Other lower risk factors that have been identified are:

Women on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Women with endometriosis
Women with ovarian cysts
Women who are overweight
Women who smoke

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What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
The three main symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

Persistent pain in the pelvis and abdomen
Persistent bloating or increased abdominal size
Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly

Unless you are experiencing these symptoms on most days it is unlikely that you will have the disease. However not all patients show these signs.

You may be referred for a screening by your GP or Gynaecologist if you are showing these symptoms of ovarian cancer.

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Will the Ovarian Cancer Screening tell me if I have the disease?
No. Ovarian Cancer Screening identifies those women who are more at risk from cancer of the ovaries.

The screening will not tell you if you actually have ovarian cancer, but will identify if you are at high risk of having the disease.

Only more costly diagnostic tests (ordered after a patient has screened positive) by a Gynaecologist or Oncologist will confirm if you actually have ovarian cancer.

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Is ultrasound the best way to screen for ovarian cancer?
Yes. According to the National Institute for Health Research ultrasound is the most effective way of screening for ovarian cancer.

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How often should I have an Ovarian Cancer Screening?
If you fall into a high risk category it is recommended to have an Ovarian Cancer Screening every 12 months.

After your first screening we can send you a reminder letter when your next appointment is due.

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How is an Ovarian Cancer Screening performed?
The screening is primarily a thorough examination of the pelvic organs with special attention to the ovaries where the clinician will look for specific markers. The scan is performed internally for maximum clarity.

To assist in the detection process the scan is also combined with two blood tests.

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Must I have an internal scan for the Ovarian Cancer Screening?
Yes. The clearest images are obtained via an internal scan and the operator will almost certainly want to perform the examination in this way so as to provide you with the best, most accurate assessment.

Your examination may be less accurate or unreliable if it is not performed internally

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Who will perform my Ovarian Cancer Screening?
This scan is usually performed by one of our highly qualified expert sonographers. Alternatively you may be seen by one of our consultant doctors if you wish.

Please tell us your preference at the booking stage and also if you'd prefer a female clinician.

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What will I see at my Ovarian Cancer Screeing?
An Ovarian Cancer Screening is performed with conventional 2D ultrasound so the images you will see may not be immediately recognisable.

Rest assured that our team at The London Ultrasound Centre are all expert gynaecological scanners and are trained to recognise markers for ovarian cancer.

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Is the Ovarian Cancer Screeing performed in 3D/4D?
No. There is currently no advantage nor greater accuracy in using 3D or 4D ultrasound for Ovarian Cancer Screening.

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What do the blood tests do?
Two blood tests are performed to increase the accuracy of the Ovarian Cancer Screening.

CA125 is presently the best and most widely used blood test for ovarian cancer screening.
However there are some limitations with this test that may produce false screening results:

Women with benign gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis may falsely trigger a positive screening
40-50% of early ovarian cancers do not caused increased levels that would be detected by this test
20% of ovarian cancers are not detected by this test

Therefore in some cases the CA125 test may not always produce an accurate screening.

HE4 is a new ovarian cancer screening test when performed in combination with CA125 significantly raises detection rates of the disease

When these two tests are combined the screening is reported as ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) and patients are classified as being either high or low risk for the malignant disease.

By providing these new blood tests along with a meticulous ultrasound examination we are able to provide the most accurate method of screening for Ovarian Cancer that is currently available.

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Must I see my GP or Gynaecologist before having an Ovarian Cancer Screening?
Usually yes. However many patients come to us first for an Ovarian Cancer Screening and then go on to see their GP or Gynaecologist with our clinical report.

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Do I need a referral to have an Ovarian Cancer Screening at your clinic?
No. You do not need a referral from your GP or Gynaecologist to attend our clinic.

Patients tell us they find it quicker and simpler to have an Ovarian Cancer Screening at our clinic and then see their GP or Gynaecologist for a follow up consultation should the result of the scan require medical attention.

We will provide a detailed medical report addressed to your GP or Gynaecologist.

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When will I receive the results of my Ovarian Cancer Screening?
The results from your ultrasound examination will be available immediately after your appointment. A comprehensive medical report will be prepared with a copy addressed to your GP or Gynaecologist and one to yourself.

Results from the blood tests can take up to 7 working days to be available. We will call you with the results and forward a hard copy of the report.

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How is the Ovarian Cancer Screening reported?
The ultrasound component is detailed in a written medical report.

The blood test results are reported as a number alongside a cut-off figure to indicate the threshold between screen positive and screen negative.

There are two versions of the results; one for pre-menopausal patients, one for post-menopausal patients. Your specific risk is whichever category you fall into.

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What happens if my Ovarian Cancer Screening is positive?
The first thing not to do is worry. Remember this is a screening and so a screeen positive result doesn't necessarily indicate that you actually have the disease - only that you are more at risk of having the disease.

You should contact your GP or Gynaecologist and arrange an appointment. If you would like to see a private Gynaecologist we recommend doctors on this page.

Take our report along with results from the blood tests to your GP or Gynaecologist who will probably arrange for you to have a diagnostic test.

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Will I get a picture from my Ovarian Cancer Screening?
No. Not unless it is specifically requested.

The reason is that GPs or Gynaecologists aren't interested in examining pictures from your Ovarian Cancer Screening, they simply want to know what we may have found.

However we are happy to supply a complimentary glossy thermal print from your Ovarian Cancer Screeing if you wish. Please ask the operator during your appointment. The remaining images can be purchased if required.

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What are the risks of having an Ovarian Cancer Screening?
There are no known risks in having an Ovarian Cancer Screening.

Ultrasound has been safely used to assist in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer for over 20 years.

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Do I need a full bladder for the Ovarian Cancer Screening?
It is useful to arrive with a slightly full bladder so that the operator may perform a mapping scan via your tummy.

You will then be asked to empty your bladder so that an internal scan can be performed.

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Is there anything else I should know about the Ovarian Cancer Screening?
While we are able to provide you with an accurate and reliable Ovarian Cancer Screening our clincal staff cannot prescribe medication nor recommend surgery from what they have reported.

If anything unsual has been found the operator will tell you immediately. You should then take our report to your GP or Gynaecologist for ongoing medical care.

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Why should I have my Ovarian Cancer Screening at The London Ultrasound Centre?
At the London Ultrasound Centre our staff are experts in the detection of the early signs of ovarian cancer.

We have the latest, highest resolution ultrasound machine currently on the market to enable clear imaging of the ovaries.

Finally our thorough ultrasound examinantion combined with two blood tests is recognised as the most accurate and sensitive method available for the early detection of ovarian cancer.

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How do I book an Ovarian Cancer Screening?
For prices and to make a booking please see our online booking website or call us on 020 7935 4450.

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Where can I find out more about Ovarian Cancer?
More information about ovarian cancer can be found on the following websites:

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