27 SEP 2012
Although the mortality rate associated with ovarian cancer is high, the disease is rare, and the majority of women with a positive screening test will have a false-positive result. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reviewed evidence published since its previous recommendation. The Task Force found adequate evidence that annual screening with transvaginal ultrasonography and testing for the serum tumor marker cancer antigen (CA)-125 in women does not reduce the number of deaths from ovarian cancer. Since there is adequate evidence that screening for ovarian cancer can lead to important harms, including major surgical interventions in women who do not have cancer, the Task Force concludes that there is at least moderate certainty that harms of screening for ovarian cancer outweigh the benefits. Researchers emphasize that the recommendation pertains to asymptomatic women. Women with known risk factors for ovarian cancer (certain genetic mutations, Lynch syndrome, family history) should discuss the benefits and harms of screening with their doctors. Use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy and breastfeeding, bilateral tubal ligation, and removal of the ovaries all reduce the risk for ovarian cancer.
