Ovarian Cancer Screening
CA-125 blood testing for ovarian cancer risk assessment at our City of London clinic.
Ovarian Cancer Screening
All-inclusive price
- Blood draw by registered nurse
- Comprehensive lab analysis
- Detailed results report
- Detailed nurse-written review
- Follow-up recommendations
Or call 020 7183 3709
Pay at the clinic on the day of your appointment
About This Screening
Ovarian Cancer Screening
Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women in the UK, with approximately 7,500 new cases diagnosed annually. Early-stage ovarian cancer frequently presents with vague, non-specific symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pelvic discomfort, early satiety, and altered urinary frequency — symptoms that may be attributed to other conditions, contributing to delayed diagnosis.
This screening measures CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125) and, where clinically appropriate, HE4 (Human Epididymis Protein 4) tumour markers through a standard venous blood sample. CA-125 is a glycoprotein that may be elevated in ovarian malignancy, though it is important to understand that elevation can also occur with benign conditions including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and during menstruation. CA-125 has greater specificity for ovarian malignancy in post-menopausal women than in premenopausal women.
Key Highlights
- Early-stage disease often lacks specific symptoms
- Early identification associated with improved prognosis
- Routine venepuncture with rapid turnaround
- Indicated for women with positive family history
- Appropriate for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers
HE4 is a newer tumour marker that may offer improved specificity when used alongside CA-125, particularly in distinguishing malignant from benign pelvic masses. The combination of these markers can provide a more complete risk assessment than either marker alone.
This screening is particularly relevant for women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, and those experiencing persistent or unexplained abdominal or pelvic symptoms. It is important to note that no single blood test can definitively diagnose or exclude ovarian cancer — elevated markers indicate the need for further investigation, which typically includes pelvic ultrasound and gynaecological referral.
For premenopausal women, mid-cycle testing is recommended to avoid physiological CA-125 elevation during menstruation. Results are processed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory and reviewed by our clinical team.
What's Included
Comprehensive testing covering all essential biomarkers for a complete health picture.
Ovarian Cancer Markers
- HE4
- CA-125
- ROMA Algorithm
Clinical Indications for Ovarian Screening
Ovarian cancer frequently presents with vague, non-specific symptoms. Tumour marker measurement can identify elevations warranting further gynaecological assessment, particularly in women with established risk factors.
Early-stage disease often lacks specific symptoms
Early identification associated with improved prognosis
Routine venepuncture with rapid turnaround
Indicated for women with positive family history
Appropriate for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers
Baseline establishment for longitudinal monitoring
Who Should Take This Test?
Post-Menopausal Women
Risk increases after menopause; periodic screening may be appropriate.
Family History
First-degree relatives with ovarian or breast cancer confer elevated personal risk.
BRCA Gene Carriers
Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have significantly increased lifetime risk.
Persistent Symptoms
Abdominal bloating, pelvic discomfort, early satiety, or altered urinary frequency.
How to Prepare
Follow these steps before your appointment for the most accurate results.
For premenopausal women, schedule your appointment mid-cycle (avoid testing during menstruation) for the most accurate CA-125 results.
No fasting or dietary preparation is required.
Continue taking any prescribed medications as normal.
Inform our team if you have a known diagnosis of endometriosis or fibroids, as this may affect result interpretation.
Allow approximately 10 minutes for your appointment.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
Book your Ovarian Cancer Screening today and get comprehensive insights into your health. Results available in 1 working day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More Screenings
You Might Also Be Interested In
Patient Reviews
We're preparing to welcome our first patients at St Paul's Medical & Dental. Patient reviews will be available once we open our doors in April 2026.
We look forward to providing exceptional dental and medical care to the City of London community.
Meet Our Medical Team
Our experienced medical team is fully qualified and registered with the GMC and NMC, delivering safe, high-quality care in line with the highest professional standards.
Because our patients deserve nothing less.
Registered. Regulated. Trusted.
At St Paul's Medical & Dental, we are in process of registering with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the relevant UK regulatory bodies, including the GDC and GMC. Our dentists, dental nurses and medical professionals deliver care that meets the highest clinical, safety and ethical standards, because our patients deserve nothing less.
