Ovarian cancer screening: recommendations for clinical pratice
Amram-Benamran, M.-L.; Cochet, S.; Petignat, P.; Sappino, A.-P.
Revue Medicale Suisse 6(250): 1062; 1064 1066-1068
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 20564865 Document Number: 645961
Ovarian cancer accounts for a minority of female cancers but remains the leading cause of death from gynaecologic cancers and the fifth leading cause of all cancer-related deaths among women. More than two thirds of cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed once the disease becomes symptomatic, i.e. at an advanced stage. Though early detection constitutes a legitimate aim, no screening approach has yet been shown to reduce ovarian cancer mortality. In particular, ovarian imagery with endovaginal ultrasonography and serum tumor markers (CA-125) dosage performed in asymptomatic individuals have not proven their efficacy. Screening of asymptomatic women is not therefore recommended because of the limited prevalence of ovarian cancer in the general population.