Ultrasound (USG) Imaging at Liv & Harley Street Hospital

Invest in Your Long-Term Health

What is Preventative Cancer Screening ?

Preventative Cancer Screening combines Ultrasound (USG) assessments with targeted blood tests to help detect potential cancers at their earliest stages. By examining organs via ultrasound and checking tumor markers or other lab indicators, healthcare providers can uncover signs of disease before symptoms escalate. Early detection often correlates with better treatment outcomes, making these screenings a vital part of proactive healthcare.

At Liv & Harley Street Hospital’s Health Assessment & Imaging Clinic, our Preventative Cancer Screening combines ultrasound imaging and specialized blood tests for a broad, precise approach to early detection. Whether you have a family history of cancer, specific risk factors, or simply want peace of mind, our advanced screenings offer an invaluable safeguard. Contact us to schedule your evaluation and take a proactive step toward safeguarding your health.

A. Who Should Have Preventative Cancer Screening?

Family History of Cancer: Individuals with relatives who have had breast, ovarian, prostate, colon, or other cancer types.
Higher Risk Factors: Patients older in age, or those with lifestyle/genetic predispositions (e.g., chronic smoking, certain gene mutations).
Early Cancer Symptoms: People experiencing unexplained lumps, pain, weight changes, or other suspicious indicators.
Routine Screeners: Individuals advised by their physician to undergo periodic checks for pre-cancerous conditions or post-treatment monitoring.
General Preventive Care: Anyone seeking reassurance and thorough cancer screening as part of an overall health strategy.

B. Who Can Take It?

Adults Across Age Ranges: Especially beneficial for those at elevated risk or with specific screening needs.
Previous Diagnoses: Patients requiring follow-up checks after past abnormalities or malignant findings.
Radiation-Free Preference: Pregnant women or individuals preferring ultrasound over other imaging modalities.
Monitoring High-Risk Conditions: People keeping tabs on known lumps, cysts, or suspicious findings.

C. Who Cannot Take It?

Open Wounds or Infections in Scanned Area: May need treatment before a safe screening can be performed.
Severe Obesity: Ultrasound image quality can be limited by body habitus.
Inability to Remain Still: Patients who cannot hold position or follow breath-holding instructions.
Unsuitable for Certain Blood Tests: E.g., severe anemia or conditions compromising standard lab results.
Refusal of Follow-Up: Individuals unwilling or unable to undergo additional tests if early screening returns abnormal findings.

Contact Us

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0203 973 8800

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Why Choose Us

Liv & HSH London

Advanced Imaging & Lab Services
- Liv & Harley Street Hospital uses high-resolution ultrasound technology and specialized blood panels to yield accurate screening data.
Experienced Oncology & Diagnostic Team
- Our board-certified specialists in radiology, oncology, and pathology ensure thorough interpretations and actionable insights.
Patient-Centered Approach
- Personalized screening packages cater to your risk profile, family history, and specific health goals.
Holistic Care & Follow-Up
- If suspicious findings arise, we coordinate seamlessly with oncology, surgery, or genetic counseling, providing continuous support and streamlined referrals.

What Do We Do? (Procedures & Tests)

Procedure Details

Pain Relief: Not required; both ultrasound and blood tests are non-invasive and pain-free.
After Treatment: No downtime—normal activities can usually resume immediately.
Number of Sessions: Varies; may be a single screening or periodic checks depending on personal risk factors.
Duration: Typically 15–45 minutes, based on the region scanned and number of blood tests.
Recovery Time: None; results are often available quickly, and some blood markers may require lab processing.

Types of Ultrasound Screening for Cancer

Breast Ultrasound: Spot lumps, especially in dense breast tissue or if mammography yields inconclusive results.
Abdominal Ultrasound: Evaluates liver, kidney, and pancreatic structures, particularly for individuals at risk (chronic alcohol use, hepatitis).
Pelvic Ultrasound: Checks for ovarian, uterine, or cervical irregularities, beneficial for women with risk factors.
Thyroid Ultrasound: Identifies nodules suggesting thyroid cancer.
Prostate Ultrasound: Often used along with PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) tests for suspicious changes in the prostate gland.
Vascular Ultrasound: Examines blood flow to detect vascular tumors or abnormalities associated with certain malignancies.

Blood Tests for Preventative Cancer Screening

CA 125 (Ovarian Cancer): Elevated levels may signal ovarian cancer or other gynecological issues.
PSA (Prostate Cancer): High PSA can indicate prostate cancer but may also reflect benign conditions.
CA 15-3 / CA 27-29 (Breast Cancer): Useful in monitoring breast cancer recurrence or screening at-risk individuals.
AFP (Liver Cancer): Elevated alpha-fetoprotein suggests liver cancer or other hepatic disorders.
CEA (Colorectal, Pancreatic, Lung): An elevated level can hint at various cancers; further tests are needed for confirmation.
hCG (Testicular/Reproductive Cancers): High levels may indicate testicular or certain other reproductive malignancies.
CBC (Leukemia/Lymphoma): Abnormal WBC/RBC counts can raise suspicion for blood cancers.
BRCA1/BRCA2 (Breast/Ovarian Cancer): Genetic testing for those with strong family history, indicating higher breast/ovarian risk.
Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA): Advanced analysis detecting small amounts of cancer DNA, aiding in early identification.

Preparation for Preventative Cancer Screening

Fasting: Some blood markers (e.g., CA 125, AFP, PSA) might require 8–12 hours of fasting.
Breast Ultrasound: No lotions or oils; wear a two-piece outfit for convenience.
Abdominal Ultrasound: Fast 6–8 hours prior for clearer visuals.
Pelvic Ultrasound: Typically requires a full bladder to enhance imaging.
Medication Review: Inform your provider about blood thinners or any drug that might affect test results.

Benefits of Preventative Cancer Screening

Early Detection: Spot malignancies when they’re most treatable, boosting survival rates.
Radiation-Free: Ultrasound imaging avoids X-ray exposure, appealing for pregnant women or frequent screeners.
Comprehensive: The combination of imaging and blood tests offers a deeper, more accurate look at potential malignancies.
Risk Identification: Uncovers high-risk patients needing genetic counseling or closer follow-up.
Monitoring Pre-cancerous Lesions: Allows timely interventions if suspicious growths evolve.

Potential Risks & Limitations

False Positives/Negatives: Some markers (PSA, CEA) can elevate for benign conditions, requiring further testing.
Ultrasound Limitations: May not detect very small or deep-seated tumors, leading to additional imaging (CT, MRI).
Body Habitual Challenges: Obesity, excessive gas can compromise ultrasound clarity.
Non-Specific Blood Markers: Elevated levels might call for more definitive investigations (biopsies, advanced imaging).

Follow-Up and Further Testing

Abnormal Results: Additional imaging (CT, MRI) or biopsies might be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
High-Risk Individuals: Periodic screenings or genetic counseling may be recommended.
Lifestyle Changes: Personalized guidance (e.g., smoking cessation, dietary shifts, exercise) can lower certain cancer risks.