AQW 51406/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 09/09/2026
Answered On Date: 02/10/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, following the April 2026 update to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence CG122 guidance on the recognition and referral of suspected ovarian cancer, to detail (i) any steps that have been taken to implement the revised guidance; (ii) how GPs have been informed of the changes; and (iii) how implementation is being monitored across Health and Social Care Trusts.


Answer:
My Department is aware of the April 2026 update to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on the recognition and referral of suspected ovarian cancer.
(i) The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group (CRG) is currently reviewing regional suspected cancer referral guidance for gynaecological cancers to ensure pathways remain aligned with current evidence and national guidance.
The initial focus of this work includes the ovarian cancer pathway. Review of the updated NICE recommendations is underway, including those relating to CA125 testing, assessment of persistent symptoms and access to diagnostic investigations. NICaN is also working with regional radiology colleagues to assess the potential impact of any proposed changes on demand for diagnostic imaging and available capacity. This will help ensure that any revised pathways are clinically appropriate and operationally deliverable.
Draft regional guidance is being developed and will be subject to the appropriate clinical and governance approval processes before implementation.
(ii) Primary care is represented on the NICaN Gynaecology CRG and is contributing to the review of the updated NICE guidance.
As the review remains ongoing, no changes to regional referral guidance have yet been agreed. Subject to approval of any revised guidance, changes will be communicated to General Practitioners (GPs) through established professional communication channels and supported by education and awareness activities.
(iii) The review and any subsequent implementation are being overseen through established NICaN governance arrangements, which include representation from HSC Trusts. These arrangements provide regional oversight of guidance development, implementation and adoption across Northern Ireland.