Ovarian cancer diagnosis

The symptoms can be similar to other less serious conditions which can delay diagnosis. The ovaries are deep in the pelvis and difficult to examine and screen, which is also why this cancer can be difficult to diagnose.

A blood test to measure levels of CA125 can help to diagnose ovarian cancer. CA125 is a protein in your blood which can rise with ovarian cancer. Your GP can arrange this test.

A CA125 level of 35 and over means that ovarian cancer could be present, and more tests are needed. These may be ultrasound scans or CT scans, which are painless tests that create images of the inside of your body and can show any abnormalities around the ovaries.