AQW 46153/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 13/05/2026
Answered On Date: 02/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has (i) given any consideration to the updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines on ovarian cancer testing including changes to the use of CA125 blood test; and (ii) any plans to endorse this updated approach.

Answer:

My Department is aware of the updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance (NG12, April 2026), including changes relating to the use of CA125 testing and the assessment of women presenting with possible ovarian cancer symptoms.

In Northern Ireland, suspected cancer referral guidance issued through the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) already supports the use of CA125 testing in combination with clinical assessment, and promotes escalation for further investigation where symptoms are ongoing or unexplained.

The NICaN Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group is currently reviewing the updated NICE guidance to determine how best it can be reflected within regional pathways, taking account of local service configuration and capacity. This review will inform any updates to existing guidance for primary care and secondary care services.

Subject to this process, revised guidance will be considered for regional endorsement and implementation. Any agreed changes will be communicated to general practitioners and Health and Social Care Trusts, supported by appropriate clinical guidance and education to ensure consistent application in practice.