Ovarian Cancer Screening
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the ovaries. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in women. When detected and treated early, the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is over 90%. However, ovarian cancer is difficult to detect early since symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has advanced. This makes screening critical for early detection and treatment.
Who Should Get Screened?
There are no standard or routine screening recommendations for the general population. However, experts do recommend screening for women who are at a higher risk for ovarian cancer, including:
- Women with a strong family history of ovarian, breast, uterine, or colon cancer
- Women who test positive for inherited genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- Women with Lynch syndrome
- Women with a previous history of breast cancer
When to Start Screening
For women at average risk, there are currently no recommended screening tests.
Women at high risk should begin screening between the ages of 35-40 or 5-10 years earlier than the youngest age at which ovarian cancer was diagnosed in the family. Screening should continue until age 65-70.
Available Screening Tests
There are two types of tests used for ovarian cancer screening:
- Transvaginal ultrasound – This involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the vagina to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
- CA-125 blood test – This test measures the amount of CA-125 antigen in the blood. Elevated levels may indicate ovarian cancer.
Typically, transvaginal ultrasound is used first. If the results are abnormal, a CA-125 test may be ordered for further evaluation.
The Importance of Screening
Ovarian cancer screening does not diagnose ovarian cancer. Abnormal test results indicate a need for further testing like biopsy to confirm cancer. Still, screening is critical as it can detect ovarian cancer at an earlier more treatable stage, especially for high-risk women. Getting screened regularly gives women the best chance of early detection and effective treatment.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vidhu Khandelwal regarding Ovarian Cancer Screening at Khandelwal Clinic in Mumbai, please contact us today.