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The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.
Screening Tests
Screening tests are designed to find patients with early cancer or those who are high risk. Whenever you go for a screening procedure, be certain to tell your screener if you have any high risk factors, especially a family history.
Screening Guidelines
Because of the low rate of early diagnosis, a great deal of research is being done to identify a screening test that meets the requirements for ease, safety, cost, and accuracy. Until then, have a pelvic exam yearly, and ask your doctor if you have any risk factors that would warrant an ultrasound. Currently, most insurers will not cover ovarian cancer screening tests, including a periodic CA-125 level or a transvaginal ultrasound. You may have to pay for this yourself or rely on reporting any new symptoms to your gynecologist as soon as possible to have the tests conducted.
References:
Kasper DL, Harrison TR. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998.
Ovarian cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/ovarian/. Accessed April 8, 2009.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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