Get notified of page updates

Ovarian Cancer: Early Detection

Learn what experts say about ovarian cancer screening and early detection. Stay up to date by signing up for our community newsletter.

Glossary on

off

Screening for , Ovarian and Primary Peritoneal Cancer

There are no reliable tests for early detection of ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer. Even in high-risk people, screening for these cancers has not been shown to detect cancer early or improve outcomes. If you are at high risk for these cancers, it is important to discuss the benefits and limitations of ovarian cancer screening with your doctor.

What are the signs of ovarian cancer?

All people at high risk for ovarian cancer should be educated on the possible signs. You should report any of the following symptoms to your doctor if they are persistent and a change from normal:

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Importantly, these symptoms do not mean you definitely have cancer, other conditions can cause the signs listed above.

Types of ovarian cancer screening

For people who do elect to have screening for , ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer, the screening may include a combination of the following:

A pelvic exam is an internal vaginal exam by a health care provider to look and feel for abnormalities of the reproductive system.
Transvaginal involves an device inserted into the vagina, which uses sound waves to look for any abnormal changes in the ovary.
CA125 is a protein in the blood that is sometimes elevated in women with ovarian cancer. The test is considered neither sensitive nor specific for finding ovarian cancers in high-risk women.