Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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206. To ask the Minister for Health if he will, together with the Health Service Executive, include ovarian cancer blood test cancer antigen 125 in a free screening programme, given that early screening is vital to prolonging and saving lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26527/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The test for CA125, which is available in Ireland, looks at levels of the protein in the blood as part of the assessment of women who have symptoms which are suggestive of ovarian cancer.

Levels of CA125 can be significantly raised in women who have ovarian cancer however, raised levels can also exist in women who have a benign condition. Furthermore, the level can be normal in women who do have ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is unsuitable for use as a population screening test, as it could lead to over-diagnosis and unnecessary investigations or false reassurances.

The search for an effective screening method for ovarian cancer is ongoing internationally and includes the investigation of combinations of CA125 blood testing and ultrasound scans.

Women of any age who have concerns about ovarian cancer should seek the advice of their GP.