Ovarian Cancer Screening: Personalised Assessment and Early Detection

Ovarian cancer is often called a "silent disease" because early stages usually cause no obvious symptoms. The ovaries are located deep within the pelvis, making changes difficult to detect through examination alone.

While there is currently no national NHS screening programme for ovarian cancer, individual risk-based assessment can help detect problems early and provide reassurance, particularly for women with risk factors such as family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

Detecting ovarian abnormalities early can make treatment significantly more effective. Personalized screening and specialist follow-up are especially important for women with risk factors, as early intervention improves outcomes.

Regular monitoring provides valuable reassurance and can identify concerning changes before symptoms develop.

Early ovarian cancer often causes no symptoms, but as it progresses, signs may include:

• Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling
• Feeling full quickly when eating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained fatigue
• Unexpected weight loss

If you experience persistent symptoms, especially if they are new and occur frequently, seek medical assessment. While these symptoms can be caused by many benign conditions, they should always be evaluated by a specialist.

You may benefit from ovarian cancer screening if you:

• Have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer
• Carry a BRCA1, BRCA2, or related gene mutation
• Experience persistent bloating, abdominal swelling, or pelvic pain
• Are postmenopausal and wish screening for reassurance
• Have concerns about ovarian cancer risk

Your consultant will discuss your personal risk factors and recommend the most appropriate tests for your circumstances.

Your assessment begins with a detailed consultation, medical history review, and pelvic examination. Screening may include:

CA125 Blood Test:

A blood test measuring the CA125 protein, which can be elevated in ovarian cancer. CA125 can also be raised in benign conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, pregnancy, or menstruation, so results are always interpreted within clinical context.

Pelvic Ultrasound:

A transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound scan examines ovarian size, structure, and appearance. Abnormalities such as cysts or irregular tissue patterns may require further investigation.

Advanced Imaging:

If initial tests suggest abnormalities, CT or MRI scans provide detailed imaging to guide next steps and inform treatment planning.

CA125 and ultrasound can sometimes show abnormalities when no cancer is present (false positive) and occasionally appear normal despite cancer being present (false negative).

The UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) demonstrated that these tests can detect early disease, though it remains uncertain whether routine screening reduces overall mortality for the general population. For high-risk women with family history or genetic predisposition, regular surveillance provides valuable monitoring and peace of mind.

Your comprehensive screening visit includes:

• Consultant-led consultation and pelvic examination
• CA125 blood test
• Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound scan
• Same-day explanation of findings
• Written report of results
• Fast-track referral if further imaging or specialist input is required

All assessments are conducted by an experienced gynaecological cancer specialist who will explain your results clearly and recommend appropriate next steps.

Dr Mohamed Otify is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Gynaecological Surgeon specializing in gynaecological cancer. He provides thorough risk-based screening using modern imaging and blood-based testing.

His approach prioritizes:

• Comprehensive risk assessment based on family history and genetics
• Evidence-based screening protocols for high-risk individuals
• Expert interpretation of CA125 and imaging results
• Clear communication of findings and recommendations
• Fast-track access to further investigations when needed
• Specialist surgical expertise if treatment is required

If you have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, carry a genetic mutation, or wish to discuss ovarian cancer screening, book a consultation for comprehensive risk assessment and personalized screening recommendations.