Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women in the UK and the most common cause of gynaecological cancer death. It is often called a silent disease because it produces few specific symptoms in its early stages. For women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, a known genetic risk such as a BRCA mutation, or unexplained pelvic symptoms, a structured annual ovarian health screen offers a meaningful opportunity for earlier detection.
At AristoGP, Dr Anastasia Mermigka offers a dedicated Ovarian Health Screening appointment combining clinical assessment with pelvic ultrasound. The appointment is 45 minutes, costs £300, and does not require a referral. It is not a diagnostic test for cancer, but it is the most effective currently available method of ovarian surveillance for women at elevated risk.
What the Appointment Includes
- Clinical risk assessment: Dr Mermigka takes a full personal and family history focused on gynaecological and breast cancers, genetic testing results, previous surgery, and current symptoms. Your individual risk profile determines the appropriate approach to surveillance and follow-up.
- Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound: The primary tool for ovarian surveillance. Dr Mermigka assesses both ovaries for size, morphology, and any masses or cysts. Cysts identified on ultrasound are characterised using standardised criteria to determine their likelihood of being benign or requiring further investigation.
- Ovarian cyst assessment: If a cyst has been previously identified, Dr Mermigka reviews current size, morphology (simple, complex, solid-cystic), septation, and vascularity to determine whether it is stable, changing, or requires further management.
- Written report: A formal report documenting ultrasound findings, risk stratification, and recommendations for follow-up interval or further investigation.
Who Is This Screening For?
- Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with ovarian cancer
- Women with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, or a family history suggesting hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
- Women with a personal history of breast cancer, particularly oestrogen-receptor-positive or BRCA-related
- Women with Lynch syndrome, which carries an elevated risk of ovarian as well as endometrial cancer
- Women with a previously identified ovarian cyst who want regular monitoring by a specialist
- Women with persistent unexplained symptoms including bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, or urinary frequency, where an ultrasound assessment has not yet been performed
- Women who want an annual specialist gynaecological ultrasound as part of a proactive approach to their health
This screening is not a diagnostic test for cancer and cannot exclude malignancy with certainty. If findings are concerning, Dr Mermigka will advise on urgent referral through the appropriate pathway. Most women who attend for ovarian screening will have reassuring findings; the value is in identifying any change early and in having a documented baseline for comparison.
Optional Blood Tests
The CA125 + HE4 blood test (also reported as the ROMA score, Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) can be arranged at the clinic if Dr Mermigka recommends it alongside the ultrasound. HE4 is a more specific ovarian tumour marker than CA125 alone and is less likely to be elevated by benign conditions. The ROMA score combines both markers with menopausal status to produce a risk stratification. This test is processed by TDL with results available within 24 hours and reviewed by Dr Mermigka at no additional charge.
About Dr Anastasia Mermigka
Dr Mermigka is a female consultant gynaecologist with specialist expertise in gynaecological ultrasound and women preventative health. She holds full GMC registration and sees patients at AristoGP, 1-5 Portpool Lane, London EC1N 7UU, near Chancery Lane.
Pricing and Booking
Ovarian Health Screening — £300
45-minute consultation with Dr Mermigka, transvaginal pelvic ultrasound with ovarian morphology and cyst assessment, written report and risk stratification. No referral needed.
Select A2 — Gynaecology Consultation + Pelvic Ultrasound when booking.
Book Ovarian Screening — £300Frequently Asked Questions
Is ovarian cancer screening available on the NHS?
There is currently no national NHS ovarian cancer screening programme in the UK. High-risk women with a confirmed BRCA mutation are offered surveillance through specialist genetics centres, but for most women at moderate or family-history risk, private screening is the only structured option available.
How often should I have an ovarian health screen?
For women at elevated risk, annual screening is generally recommended. For women with a previously identified cyst, the interval depends on the cyst characteristics and will be specified in Dr Mermigka written report.
I have an ovarian cyst. Do I need this appointment?
If you have been told you have an ovarian cyst and have not had specialist review, this appointment is appropriate. Dr Mermigka will characterise the cyst using standardised criteria, advise on whether it requires further investigation or simply monitoring, and document baseline measurements for future comparison.
Does a normal ultrasound mean I do not have ovarian cancer?
A normal ultrasound is reassuring and makes ovarian malignancy much less likely, but it cannot exclude it with certainty. Ultrasound is the best available non-invasive tool for ovarian surveillance, but it has limitations. This is why the result is interpreted alongside your symptoms, risk factors, and where indicated, blood markers such as CA125 and HE4.
How much does ovarian health screening cost in London?
The AristoGP Ovarian Health Screening costs £300. This includes the consultation with Dr Mermigka, transvaginal pelvic ultrasound, and written report. CA125 and HE4 blood markers can be added if recommended and are reviewed at no additional charge.