Women in Gateshead who have gone through the menopause can now access a new service designed to support earlier detection of ovarian cancer.
Women can self‑refer for a scan – without needing to contact their GP practice – if they’re experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Bloating or tummy pain
- Changes in toilet habits – weeing or pooing more often
- Indigestion or acid reflux
- Unexpected weight loss or feeling tired
These symptoms can be early signs of ovarian cancer, so it is important to get them checked out.
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, but early diagnosis can mean it is more treatable. It could even save lives.
How to self‑refer
Women who live in the Gateshead area or are registered with a Gateshead GP can self‑refer for a pelvic ultrasound scan by:
- Completing the online form
- Emailing [email protected]
- Calling 0191 445 5459
A member of the team will be in touch.
Nithya Ratnavelu, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, is leading the Ovacheck service at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.
She said: “Symptoms of ovarian cancer may seem minor and many women dismiss them or wait for a GP appointment.
“Women in Gateshead don’t have to wait. We’re enabling them to act straightaway if they’re experiencing symptoms and self-refer for a scan.
“All too often ovarian cancer is diagnosed late. It is more treatable if it is detected early. Knowing the symptoms and taking early action can save lives.”
Early diagnosis is a key theme of the National Cancer Plan which outlines a long-term approach to improving cancer outcomes, experience and equity over the next decade.
Northern Cancer Alliance (NCA) is funding the service, in partnership with Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC), as part of this work in the North East and North Cumbria.
Aaron Tucker, Head of Programmes at NCA, said: “Detecting more cancers at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful is a major priority for us, in line with the ambitions set out in the National Cancer Plan.
“This service in Gateshead is one of nine innovation projects we’ve funded across the North East and North Cumbria, testing new approaches and pathways for cancer and pushing boundaries in early diagnosis.
“We are committed to working with the teams to assess the impact of these projects, and their potential to be scaled up, in order to improve outcomes for patients and further drive innovation in cancer care.”
Dr Raasti Naseem, Programme Manager at HI NENC, said: “We are pleased to support the Ovacheck initiative to enable earlier detection of ovarian cancer through self-referral pathways. By providing evaluation advice and guidance, we are helping to maximise the impact of the study.”