Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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1876. To ask the Minister for Health if a CA125 test could be included in the routine schedule of annual blood tests for women; her plans for the inclusion of the CA125 test as standard; and the plans roll-out will entail. [58924/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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CA-125 is a tumour marker that can be associated with ovarian cancer. A blood test for CA-125 can be carried out in primary care, as part of the assessment of an individual with possible signs/ symptoms of ovarian cancer. It is also used to monitor response to treatment for ovarian cancer, including follow up to look for recurrence. The National Cancer Control Programme has advised that CA-125 can be raised in other conditions, including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy, and that it is also possible for CA-125 levels to be normal in a patient who has ovarian cancer, particularly in the earlier stages.

There are several criteria which a test should meet for consideration as a screening test. The National Cancer Control Programme has advised that CA-125 does not meet these criteria as it can be raised for reasons other than the presence of ovarian cancer.

The National Screening Advisory Committee advises the Minister and Department of Health on all new proposals for population-based screening programmes and revisions to existing programmes and outlines criteria for an effective screening test/programme here: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/criteria-for-appraising-the-viability-effectiveness-and-appropriateness-of-a-screening.pdf

As what is included in blood tests for women is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.