
Noor ul Huda
Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals , UKPresentation Title:
Audit on the recognition and initial management of ovarian cancer in secondary care: Compliance with NICE CG122 and QS18 in a district general hospital
Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women in the UK and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage due to non-specific early symptoms. NICE Clinical Guideline CG122 and Quality Standard QS18 provide a framework for early recognition, investigation, and timely referral. This audit evaluates the compliance of secondary care with these standards.
Aim: To assess whether women presenting with symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer were appropriately investigated and managed in accordance with NICE CG122 and QS18 guidelines within our NHS Trust.
Results:
Methodology: A retrospective review was conducted of case records of 20 women referred to the gynaecology department with suspected ovarian malignancy. Data points included age, tumour markers (CA125), risk of malignancy index (RMI), imaging, route of tissue diagnosis, chemotherapy decisions, tertiary care involvement, and provision of additional support services.
• Age distribution: 95% (19/20) of patients were over 40 years.
• Stage at diagnosis: 65% (13/20) presented with advanced-stage disease.
• Tumour marker and imaging compliance: Generally high, but documentation gaps were noted.
• RMI calculation and referral pathway: Inconsistent application and recording.
• Tissue diagnosis: 90% of advanced-stage cases had histology/cytology before chemotherapy.
• Site of surgery and MDT involvement: Variable; most definitive management occurred in tertiary centres.
• Support services and trial inclusion: Support needs were not routinely flagged; trial inclusion (ICON8) was minimal.
Conclusion: While most patients received appropriate investigations and specialist referrals, opportunities exist to improve early recognition, documentation, and holistic care planning. Ongoing audit and education are essential for ensuring guideline adherence and improving outcomes in ovarian cancer management.
Biography
Noor ul Huda (MBBS, MRCOG, FCPS Pk) is a registrar in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust. She is actively involved in clinical research and audit, with a particular interest in gynaecologic oncology, early pregnancy complications, and evidence-based practice. Dr. Huda is committed to improving patient outcomes through quality improvement initiatives and has presented her work.