Ovarian Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Currently, ovarian cancer screening is not recommended for woman at average risk. Studies evaluating screening in high-risk women have been disappointing. Therefore, risk-reducing surgery is recommended for women with genetic mutations when childbearing is complete. The best way to detect ovarian cancer is for both the patient and the clinician to have a high index of suspicion when the patient is symptomatic. There have been numerous studies showing that ovarian cancer patients often have symptoms 3 to 6 months before diagnosis. It is important for practitioners to be aware of these symptoms to avoid potentially harmful delays in diagnosis.