Screening for ovarian cancer

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cancer remains the most deadly of the gynecologic cancers. It is difficult to diagnose until in advanced stages. An effective screening test may help to decrease mortality from ovarian cancer. Due to the low incidence of ovarian cancer in the general population, a good screening test must have high sensitivity and specificity to allow accurate detection without excessive false-positive results. Thus, effective screening for ovarian cancer has remained elusive. Methods: Studies evaluating screening methods for ovarian cancer are reviewed. Screening methods investigated include ultrasound, CA-125, and serum proteins. Results: The use of CA-125 or ultrasound alone does not result in adequate sensitivity or specificity for routine screening. A combination of the two modalities improves sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. Using a combination of serum proteins may also improve sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value, but such studies have yet to be validated. Conclusions: No effective screening methods for ovarian cancer that have been adequately validated are available. Routine screening for ovarian cancer in the general population is not currently recommended.