Note: Separate PDQ summaries on Prevention of Ovarian Cancer; Ovarian Epithelial Cancer Treatment; Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor Treatment; and Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumor Treatment are also available.

There is insufficient evidence to establish that screening for ovarian cancer with serum markers such as CA 125 levels, transvaginal ultrasound, or pelvic examinations would result in a decrease in mortality from ovarian cancer (Levels of Evidence: 4,5). A serious potential harm is the false-positive test result, which may lead to anxiety and invasive diagnostic procedures. There is good evidence that screening for ovarian cancer with the tests above would result in more diagnostic laparoscopies and laparotomies than new ovarian cancers found. Unnecessary oophorectomies may also result.

Levels of Evidence

4: Evidence obtained from multiple-time series with or without intervention.

5: Opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.

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