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Ways to find ovarian cancer early

Regular gynecological exams

A pelvic-rectal exam is the still the most reliable regular screening for ovarian cancer. Although a pelvic-rectal exam is recommended, most early ovarian tumors are still difficult to feel. Pelvic exams may, however, help identify other cancers or gynecologic conditions. Women should discuss the need for these exams with their doctor.

A Pap test is not a test for ovarian cancer. It is effective in detecting cervical cancer. Only very rarely are ovarian cancers are detected through Pap tests, but usually these are at an advanced stage.

See a doctor if you have symptoms

Ovarian cancer, in its early stages, tends to cause symptoms that are very similar to less serious conditions. However, when the symptoms are caused by ovarian cancer, they tend to be more severe and different. These symptoms include abdominal swelling or bloating, pelvic pressure or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, or urinary symptoms.

Prompt attention to symptoms may improve the odds of early diagnosis and successful treatment. If you have ovarian cancer symptoms frequently for more than a few weeks, report them to your health care professional, preferably a gynecologist, right away.

Screening tests for ovarian cancer

There are 2 tests that are used most commonly to screen for ovarian cancer. These tests, transvaginal sonography and CA-125, are often offered to women who are at high risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer, such as those with a very strong family history. In studies of women at average risk of ovarian cancer, these screening tests did not lower the number of deaths caused by ovarian cancer. There are no recommended screening tests for germ cell tumors or stromal tumors.

Transvaginal sonography is an ultrasound test that places a small instrument in the vagina. It can help find a mass in the ovary, but it can't actually tell which masses are cancers and which are not.

CA-125 is a protein in the blood that is higher in many women with ovarian cancer. The problem with this test is that conditions other than cancer can also cause high levels of CA-125. In addition, someone with ovarian cancer can still have a normal CA-125 level. When a CA-125 level is abnormal, many doctors will repeat the test to make sure the result is correct. The doctor may also consider ordering a transvaginal ultrasound test, or even taking samples of fluid from the abdomen or tissue from the ovaries to find out if a cancer is really present.

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