Ovarian Cancer Screening

A Pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer. It is used to screen for cervical cancer.

There is currently no reliable screening test recommended for people at average risk of ovarian cancer who do not have symptoms. Researchers continue to study ways to detect the disease earlier. Two tests you may hear about are:

• CA-125 blood test: This measures a protein that may be elevated in some people with ovarian cancer. CA-125 can also be elevated for other reasons, including endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, and some people with ovarian cancer do not have an elevated result.

• Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS): A small ultrasound probe is placed in the vagina to create images of the ovaries and nearby structures. It may reveal a mass, but the image alone cannot determine whether a mass is cancerous.

 

A healthcare provider may use these tests to investigate symptoms or a concerning finding. For someone at high risk because of an inherited gene change or strong family history, a provider may also discuss whether to use them as part of an individual care plan. Even for people at high risk, these tests have not been proven to reduce deaths from ovarian cancer.

 

Know what is normal for your body and speak with a healthcare provider about persistent or unusual symptoms. If ovarian or related cancers run in your family, ask whether genetic counseling could help you understand your risk and options.