Ovarian Cancer: Early Detection
Screening for , Ovarian and Primary Peritoneal Cancer
There are no reliable tests for easly 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.
Participate in Research
More Resources
Visit our Partners
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
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National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Find Experts
The following resources can help you locate an expert near you.
Finding gynecologists with expertise in cancer risk and treatment
- The Foundation for Women's Cancer has a search tool to help you find a gynecologic oncologist.
Related experts
Some symptoms and conditions related to female reproduction may be managed by other experts.
Fertility experts
- The Oncofertility Consortium maintains a national database of healthcare providers with expertise in fertility preservation and treatment of people who are diagnosed with cancer or have a high risk for cancer due to an .
- Livestrong has a listing of 450 sites that offer fertility preservation options for people diagnosed with cancer.
Financial assistance may be available to make the cost of fertility preservation affordable for more patients. Patients are referred to those programs as needed.
Menopause experts
- The North American Menopause Society has a tool to help you find a qualified menopause expert in your area.
Sexual health experts
- The Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) has a search tool to find experts in your area who provide sexual health care services.
- The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) maintains a tool to help people find a sexual health expert near them.
Other ways to find experts
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers deliver cutting-edge cancer care to patients in communities across the United States. Most centers have specialized screening and prevention centers for high-risk people. Find a center near you and learn about its specific research capabilities, programs, and initiatives.
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards to get referrals from other members. Once you register, you can post on the Find a Specialist board to connect with other people who share your situation.