USPSTF Again Recommends Against Screening General Population for Ovarian Cancer

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that asymptomatic women should not be screened for ovarian cancer (grade D recommendation). This draft recommendation is in line with the group's 2012 recommendation.

This recommendation is not intended for women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations or syndromes associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. The USPSTF did not find any evidence that screening would improve outcomes in women with a family history of ovarian cancer.

Three large studies found that screening with CA-125 testingor transvaginal ultrasound doesn't reduce the number of ovarian cancer deaths. Screening does, however, increase the risk for false-positive results and unnecessary surgery.