AQW 45822/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 08/05/2026
Answered On Date: 17/06/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to reduce the average time between first presentation of ovarian cancer symptoms and diagnosis.


Answer:
My Department recognises the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis in improving outcomes for women with ovarian cancer. A range of targeted actions are being taken to reduce the average time between first presentation of symptoms and diagnosis. These actions focus on strengthening early investigation in primary care, updating referral guidance, increasing access to diagnostic imaging and gynaecology services, and streamlining diagnostic pathways across the health and social care system.
The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) suspected cancer referral guidance supports early investigation, including CA125 testing (a blood test used to measure levels of CA125 protein, which can be raised in ovarian cancer patients) and urgent referral for ultrasound and gynaecology where indicated. In April 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updated its NG12 guidance on suspected cancer recognition and referral. These changes include the introduction of ageadjusted CA125 thresholds for women aged 40 and over, and a recommendation that CA125 should not be used in isolation for women aged 39 and under, with greater emphasis on direct access to ultrasound where symptoms persist.
The NICaN Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group (CRG) is currently reviewing these changes to ensure that primary care guidance for suspected gynaecological cancers is updated and aligned with locally available resources, so that diagnostic pathways in Northern Ireland reflect best practice and support earlier diagnosis. Once regionally agreed, the updated guidance will be disseminated to all GPs and Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts, published on the NICaN website, and supported by GP education and awareness sessions with a specific focus on ovarian cancer.
My Department also recognises that capacity pressures in diagnostic imaging, including nonobstetric ultrasound (NOUS), and in secondarycare gynaecology services can impact diagnostic timeliness. These pressures are being addressed through the Elective Care Framework Implementation and Funding Plan, which includes £12 million to expand CT, MRI and NOUS capacity, alongside £3.5 million to increase capacity for redflag and timecritical gynaecology services, enabling additional assessments and treatments.
In addition, my Department has established a Regional Health and Social Care Gynaecology Services Forum to oversee implementation of recommendations from the GIRFT Gynaecology Report, published in January 2024. This work includes streamlining diagnostic pathways, improving triage, and better use of multidisciplinary skills to support earlier diagnosis and more efficient patient care.