Ovarian cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect early. Often called the “silent killer,” it typically doesn’t show noticeable symptoms until it’s in advanced stages, making it harder to treat successfully.
While the survival rates for ovarian cancer have improved, the key to increasing those rates lies in early detection. Here’s a closer look at current screening methods, how effective they really are, and the importance of knowing your risk.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The cancer can develop in one or both ovaries and may spread to the surrounding areas like the fallopian tubes, uterus, or even distant organs.
While ovarian cancer is not as common as other cancers, it is the 5th leading cause of cancer death among women. Unfortunately, most women are diagnosed at a later stage when the disease has already spread, making treatment more difficult.
Who Is at Risk for Ovarian Cancer?
Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer:
- Age: Most cases occur after age 50, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Family history: A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer raises the risk, especially if you have relatives who were diagnosed at a young age.
- Inherited gene mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase the risk of both ovarian and breast cancers.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Long-term use of hormone therapy after menopause may slightly increase the risk.
Though there’s no surefire way to prevent ovarian cancer, knowing your risk and staying on top of screenings can make a big difference.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Detected?
Currently, there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer in women who do not have symptoms. However, some tests are used to check for the disease, especially in those with a high risk.
1. Pelvic Exam
A routine pelvic exam by a healthcare provider is the first step in screening for ovarian cancer. During this exam, the doctor feels the ovaries and uterus for any irregularities. While this can sometimes detect masses, it’s not very effective at finding early-stage ovarian cancer.
2. Transvaginal Ultrasound
This imaging test uses sound waves to create pictures of the ovaries. A small probe is inserted into the vagina to get a closer look at the ovaries and detect any abnormalities. While this test can find ovarian masses, it does not necessarily mean they are cancerous.
3. Blood Test – CA-125
The CA-125 test measures the level of a protein in the blood that is often elevated in women with ovarian cancer. However, this test isn’t perfect. Many women with elevated CA-125 levels do not have ovarian cancer, and some women with ovarian cancer may have normal CA-125 levels. It is often used to help track the cancer’s progress after diagnosis, rather than for initial screening.
4. Genetic Testing
If you have a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, genetic testing for mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2 may be recommended. These genetic mutations significantly increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer and can inform decisions about preventive measures, including surgery or increased surveillance.
Limitations of Current Screening Methods
While these tests may detect ovarian cancer at later stages, they are not always effective at detecting cancer early when treatment is most successful. Here’s why:
- Pelvic exams and ultrasound can’t always identify small tumors or masses, and CA-125 isn’t specific enough to serve as a reliable screening test for all women.
- Screening can lead to false positives (when a test suggests cancer but it’s not present) or false negatives (when cancer is present but the test fails to detect it), causing unnecessary anxiety or missed opportunities for early intervention.
Currently, experts recommend that women not undergo routine screening for ovarian cancer unless they are at high risk due to family history or genetic mutations.
The Future of Ovarian Cancer Screening
Researchers are working on improving ovarian cancer detection. Advances include:
- Improved blood tests that could be more accurate at detecting ovarian cancer early.
- Biomarkers that could better predict cancer risk or track changes over time.
- Genetic testing combined with advanced imaging to provide better predictions and earlier interventions.
Some new screening strategies are showing promise, but until they are proven effective, ongoing research and awareness remain crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Ovarian cancer is hard to detect early, but early detection is key for better survival rates.
- Current screening options include pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, blood tests like CA-125, and genetic testing for high-risk women.
- The tests are not perfect and may result in false positives or false negatives.
For most women, routine screening is not recommended unless there’s a high risk due to family history or genetic factors.
