Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

753. To ask the Minister for Health if he will include ovarian cancer blood test, cancer antigen 125, in a free screening programme, as early screening is vital to prolonging and saving lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30549/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Levels of Cancer Antigen 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, Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) is unsuitable for use as a population screening test as it could lead to over-diagnosis and unnecessary investigations, as well as to false reassurances.

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