Can Ovarian Cancer Screening Save Lives?

Although ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in the U.S., early disease is highly curable; thus, interest in screening strategies that can lower ovarian cancer mortality remains high. In the University of Kentucky Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, researchers screened asymptomatic women with vaginal ultrasound. When imaging was abnormal (ovarian volume >20 cm³ in premenopausal women or >10 cm³ in postmenopausal women, or presence of cystic tumors with solid areas and papillary projections), ultrasound imaging was repeated in 4 to 6 weeks. If abnormal findings persisted, serum CA 125 assessment was performed. Surgery was recommended for women with persistent solid or complex ovarian masses and in those with cystic ovarian …