Talk to a doctor about a plan
- A BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change, or Lynch syndrome
- A mother, sister or daughter with ovarian cancer
- Several close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer
- A known ovarian cyst that needs assessing
Honest answers about a hard-to-find cancer
Ovarian Cancer Screening in Gangnam, Seoul, honestly explained
Ovarian cancer screening means testing for ovarian cancer before symptoms appear, but for women at average risk there is currently no screening test proven to save lives. At Sinsoe Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, female OB-GYNs use pelvic ultrasound and the ROMA blood test (CA-125 plus HE4) to check women with symptoms, a known cyst, a high-risk family history or who want a check-up, and explain clearly what the results can and cannot tell you. ROMA is ₩80,000 and a GYN ultrasound ₩100,000 from the clinic's published fee schedule (June 2026); confirm before your visit. An English-speaking coordinator helps throughout.
- ROMA test (CA-125 + HE4) ₩80,000
- Pelvic ultrasound ₩100,000
- Honest about test limits
- All-female doctors
- English coordinator
- ₩80,000 ROMA blood test (fee schedule, June 2026)
- ₩100,000 GYN ultrasound (fee schedule, June 2026)
- 2 markers in ROMA: CA-125 and HE4
- 5 female doctors on one team
The basics
What is ovarian cancer screening?
Ovarian cancer is often found late because early symptoms are vague. That is why women ask about screening. The two main tools are a transvaginal ultrasound of the ovaries and blood tests such as CA-125.
Large studies in women at average risk found that yearly ultrasound and CA-125 did not reduce deaths from ovarian cancer and led to some unnecessary surgery. So no major guideline recommends routine screening for women without symptoms or high risk.
These tests are still very useful in the right situations: checking symptoms, assessing an ovarian cyst, and monitoring women at high risk, such as BRCA carriers. The ROMA test combines CA-125 and HE4 with your menopause status to estimate the risk that a pelvic mass is cancer.
Know what you're getting What these tests can do
- Show the size and features of the ovaries and any cyst
- Help judge whether a cyst looks benign or needs more tests
- Estimate the risk that a known mass is cancer (ROMA)
- Track changes over time in high-risk women
- Give a baseline as part of a check-up
What they cannot do
- They cannot rule out ovarian cancer completely. A normal result is reassuring but not a guarantee
- CA-125 can be raised by periods, endometriosis, fibroids or pregnancy. See endometriosis treatment
Who it's for
Who should consider ovarian cancer testing?
Testing is most useful when your risk or your symptoms are higher than average.
Get checked if these last over 2 to 3 weeks
- Bloating that doesn't go away
- Pelvic or belly pain
- Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
- Needing to pee more often or urgently
- Unexplained weight loss or tiredness
Don't wait for a screening visit if you have:
- New bleeding after menopause
- Symptoms above that are new and persistent
- A swollen belly that keeps growing
Message us on WhatsApp for a prompt appointment. These symptoms are usually caused by something else, but they need checking.
Tests
Tests used to check the ovaries
Your doctor chooses the combination that fits your reason for testing.
Transvaginal ultrasound
Shows the ovaries in detail and checks any cyst for size, solid parts and blood flow. See GYN ultrasound.
Every assessmentROMA blood test
Measures CA-125 and HE4 and calculates a risk score based on whether you are before or after menopause. Most useful when a mass has been found.
Assessing a cystReferral and genetics
If you have a strong family history, your doctor can talk about BRCA testing and refer you to a hospital specialist for a high-risk plan.
Family history Step by step
Your ovarian check in Gangnam, step by step
One visit covers the scan, the blood test and a talk about what the results mean.
- 1 Message us in English On WhatsApp. Tell us about your symptoms or family history and your last period.
- 2 Check in on 2F Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card. Reception and the OB-GYN clinic are on the 2nd floor.
- 3 Risk talk A female OB-GYN asks about symptoms and family history, and explains what testing can and cannot show.
- 4 Ultrasound and blood test A transvaginal scan of the ovaries, and a blood sample for the ROMA test if it is useful for you.
- 5 Results and a plan Your doctor explains the scan the same day and the blood result once ready, and plans follow-up if needed.
How to prepare
- Avoid testing CA-125 during your period, as it can be raised.
- Write down your family history of breast, ovarian, bowel and womb cancer.
- Bring any genetic test result or earlier scan.
- Empty your bladder before the ultrasound.
Why a raised number is not a diagnosis
CA-125 is raised in many benign conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, infection and periods. Some early cancers do not raise it.
That is why results are always read together with the ultrasound, your age and your history, never on their own.
Your results
What your results may mean
Most results are normal or show benign changes. Here is what usually happens next.
Normal scan and blood test
Low risk at this time
Reassuring, but report new symptoms promptly. Your doctor suggests when to check again if you are high risk.
Simple cyst
Very likely benign
Often rechecked after a few cycles. See ovarian cyst treatment.
Raised CA-125 or ROMA
Not a diagnosis
Your doctor looks for benign causes and may repeat tests or add imaging.
Suspicious mass
Needs specialist care
You are referred promptly to a hospital gynecologic oncology team, with an English report.
False alarms can cause worry and extra tests. Your doctor helps you weigh this before testing.
Expats & visitors
Ovarian cancer testing in Korea as a foreigner
You can get a clear check during your time in Seoul and take the results home.
A long-term plan
Bring your Alien Registration Card. If you are high risk, your scans and blood tests are tracked at the same clinic.
Check-up on your trip
Bring your passport. The scan is explained the same day. Ask the coordinator how to receive your blood test result if you leave Seoul first.
English reports
Ask for an English medical certificate and your results so your home doctor can continue follow-up.
Quick answers
Ovarian cancer screening in Seoul: common questions
Where can I get ovarian cancer screening in Gangnam with an English-speaking doctor?
Sinsoe Women's Clinic at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul offers pelvic ultrasound and the ROMA blood test with female OB-GYNs and an English-speaking coordinator. It is a 4-minute walk from Eonju Station Exit 7 (Line 9). Book on WhatsApp at +82-10-9517-5719.
Is there a reliable screening test for ovarian cancer?
Not for women at average risk. Studies have not shown that yearly ultrasound or CA-125 saves lives in women without symptoms. The tests are useful for symptoms, cysts and high-risk women.
How much does ovarian cancer testing cost in Seoul?
From the clinic's published fee schedule (June 2026), the ROMA test (CA-125 + HE4) is ₩80,000 and a GYN ultrasound is ₩100,000. Confirm before your visit.
What is the ROMA test?
ROMA combines two blood markers, CA-125 and HE4, with your menopause status to estimate the risk that a pelvic mass is ovarian cancer.
Does a high CA-125 mean I have cancer?
No. CA-125 is often raised by endometriosis, fibroids, periods, infection or pregnancy. Your doctor reads it together with your scan.
Can a Pap smear detect ovarian cancer?
No. A Pap smear checks the cervix only. It does not test the ovaries.
I carry a BRCA mutation. What should I do?
Talk to a doctor about a high-risk plan. Ultrasound and CA-125 may be used, and risk-reducing surgery is often discussed with a specialist. Your doctor can refer you.
What are early symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Persistent bloating, pelvic or belly pain, feeling full quickly and needing to pee more often. If these last more than 2 to 3 weeks, get checked.
Ready when you are
Book an ovarian check in Gangnam, Seoul
Tell us why you'd like a check, in English. A coordinator books you a time with a female OB-GYN.
Sinsoe Women's Clinic
537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06126, South KoreaEonju Station Exit 7 (4 min) · Yeoksam Station Exit 6 (5 min)
| Mon & Fri | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue, Wed, Thu | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |