Getting Peace of Mind when you need it

There are 7,500 new cases of ovarian cancer every year in the UK. That means 21 people are diagnosed every day.

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague, so they can go unnoticed until the disease progresses. In over 70% of cases, ovarian cancer isn’t diagnosed until late stage.

The good news is that early detection of ovarian cancer can improve survival rate. When diagnosed early, 93% of people with ovarian cancer will live for at least 5 years following diagnosis. When the diagnosis is made in the latest stage of ovarian cancer, only 13% will survive for

5 years or more.

How can we pick up ovarian cancer in its early stages?

To diagnose ovarian cancer, your doctor will ask you questions about

symptoms, carry out an examination, and may organise further tests such as a blood test, and an ultrasound scan.

Ovarian Cancer Blood Test

At ROC we use a special blood test called the ROMA test. This stands for Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Test. The

ROMA test can be used to detect early ovarian cancer.

Using a blood sample, we measure the levels of two markers, CA-125 and

HE4, which are often elevated in ovarian cancer. We then use an algorithm and information about your menopausal status to calculate your risk of ovarian cancer. Combining CA-125 and HE4 levels is more effective than the traditional method of simply testing for

CA-125.

Ultrasound

In an ultrasound, a specialist technician uses ultrasound waves to create an image

of the ovaries. This can identify any suspicious masses, even before symptoms develop.

Cervical Cancer

There are 3200 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed every year in the UK, with an average of 9 people diagnosed every day.

The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with specific types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). You can get HPV from sexual contact, including non-penetrative sexual contact.

Cervical Screening

Cervical screening focuses on detecting HPV before cancer develops. Previously, doctors used to use cytology for cervical screening. This involved taking a sample of cells from the cervix and looking at them under a microscope to look for precancerous changes.

Based on new evidence, it’s now recommended that doctors use HPV detection. This method involves taking a swab from the cervix, and testing it for HPV infection. If HPV is detected then the swab sample is checked for cervical cell changes. If precancerous changes are found then these can be treated before

they progress and turn into cancer.

How can ROC help if you’re worried about cancer?

We know how important having peace of mind about your health is. At ROC we offer screening for a number of cancers. We also know that waiting for scans and results can be incredibly stressful, which is why we offer same-day tests and ultrasound scans.

We’re here to help. Give us a call today on 01224 515254 or email us at

aberdeen@rochealthservices.com