AQW 45824/22-27

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 measures there are to ensure women presenting repeatedly with persistent ovarian cancer symptoms are appropriately escalated for further investigation.

Answer:

My Department recognises the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis in improving outcomes for women with ovarian cancer, particularly where women present repeatedly with persistent or worsening symptoms.

Measures are in place to ensure appropriate escalation, including Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) suspected cancer referral guidance which supports general practitioners (GPs) in recognising when further investigation is required. This includes CA125 testing (a blood test used to measure levels of CA125 protein, which can be raised in ovarian cancer patients) alongside clinical judgement, and urgent referral for ultrasound and gynaecology where symptoms persist or recur. The guidance emphasises that ongoing, unexplained symptoms should not be managed on a single test result alone.

Updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) NG12 guidance (April 2026) reinforces this approach, including age-adjusted CA125 thresholds and a stronger focus on repeat clinical review and direct access to ultrasound where symptoms persist, supporting earlier escalation for women who re-present.

The NICaN Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group (CRG) is reviewing these updates to ensure local guidance reflects best practice. Once agreed, it will be issued to GPs and Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts and supported by targeted education.

Implementation will include a structured regional rollout, publication within clinical pathways, and GP training, with a specific focus on recognising repeat presentations as a trigger for escalation. This will support consistent application so that women with persistent symptoms are promptly referred for appropriate diagnostic assessment.