Spire Gatwick Park Hospital is pleased to offer patients the OV-Plex Ovarian cancer test. We are able to offer this test to patients in Horley, Redhill, Reigate, Horsham, Surrey, and Sussex.
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries. According to Cancer Research UK, each year around 6,600 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It's the fifth most common cancer in women after breast, lung, bowel and womb (uterus) cancer, and it mostly affects post-menopausal women. A family history of cancer is one of the most important risk factors, as 1 in 10 cases of ovarian cancers are caused by an inherited gene.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer treatment is often delayed because it is misdiagnosed. If there are symptoms, they can include stomach pain or a bloated feeling that can be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Ovarian cysts and non-cancerous growths also cause the same symptoms as ovarian cancer.
Other symptoms may include:
- loss of appetite
- unexplained weight gain
- swelling of the abdomen (tummy)
- pain during sex
- changes in bowel or bladder habits - constipation, excess wind, diarrhoea or needing to pass urine more often
How can I get tested for ovarian cancer?
Early detection can improve survival rates by as much as 90%. Routine screening is currently not available on the NHS for ovarian cancer because there currently isn’t a reliable screening test.
However there is now a new self referral diagnostic test for ovarian cancer available called OvPlex™.
What is OvPlex™?
OvPlex™ is a new blood test for the detection of ovarian cancer in symptomatic women. It is considered superior to other tests because it measures the levels of five different proteins in the blood.
Who will it help?
All women, in particular symptomatic women, post-menopausal women or those with a family history of ovarian cancer.
How often should a woman have an OvPlex™ test?
Whenever a woman thinks she presents with ‘symptoms of the disease’, or if the test is recommended by her doctor. Frequency would be a personal choice and additional advice should be sought if necessary.
How does OvPlex™ work?
OvPlex™ is a simple diagnostic blood test that measures the levels of five proteins in a patient’s blood, which are released by tumour cells as they grow. One of the proteins is CA125, which has been used for decades for the detection and monitoring of ovarian cancer. When measured along with the four additional proteins that make up OvPlex™ greater accuracy is achieved.
How much does the OvPlex™ test cost?
The cost is £275 incl VAT.
Where can I get the OvPlex™ ovarian cancer test from?
The test can be purchased via the website www.ovplex.co.uk, where you simply complete a form and pay online for the test. An OvPlex™ wallet will then be sent to you. The wallet and accompanying letter contains details of your local Spire hospital, where you can go to have the blood taken. Simply take the wallet with you and once the blood is taken, it will be sent directly to the pathology lab for analysis.
Note no GP referral is required, but only a qualified doctor will receive the results.
How long will it take to get the results?
The test results will be sent to the doctor within 10-15 working days. You will be advised when your doctor has received the results so you can arrange an appointment to see them.