Gateshead ovarian cancer self-referral service

This service enables women in Gateshead who have gone through the menopause, and are experiencing any symptoms of ovarian cancer, to self-refer for a scan, without contacting their GP practice.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Bloating or tummy pain
• Change in toilet habits – weeing or pooing more often
• Indigestion or acid reflux
• Unexpected weight loss of feeling tired

Women, who live in the Gateshead area or are registered with a Gateshead GP, can self-refer by:

• Completing the online form
• Emailing ghnt.ovarianultrasound@nhs.net
• Calling 0191 445 5459

In this video, Nithya Ratnavelu, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, who is leading the service at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, explains why early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is important and what happens next when women self-refer.

Northern Cancer Alliance is funding the service, in partnership with Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, as part of work to improve the early diagnosis of cancer in the North East and North Cumbria. This is aligned to the ambitions set out by the National Cancer Plan.