To ask the Minister of Health what plans he has to provide additional support for GPs to interpret and act on CA125 ultrasound and blood test results to ensure prompt diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer in women, can present with a wide variety of vague symptoms and there are many other conditions that can cause some symptoms similar to those of ovarian cancer such as fibroids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation, Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease or Colitis.

It should be noted that GPs don’t definitively diagnose ovarian cancer, the definitive diagnosis of ovarian cancer will be made in secondary care, by a Gynaecologist. The GP role is to be aware of the possibility that the patients presenting symptoms may be caused by an ovarian cancer, and ensure that the Ca-125 blood test and referral for ultrasound are part of the work-up, prior to referral. If the Ca-125 is in any way above the normal range, and/or the ultrasound shows any ovarian pathology, the GP will know that a referral to gynae is required.

All GPs would have had teaching and training in clinical diagnosis, as part of their undergraduate training in Medical School and subsequently during their GP training course. In addition, they have access to regular post-graduate update training, on an annual basis, on many different clinical issues, including gynaecology, and their learning is reviewed and discussed at an annual appraisal.