To date, women at high or potentially high risk for ovarian cancer have been offered surveillance using measurement of CA 125 and transvaginal ultrasound (TUVS), should they choose not to have risk-reducing surgery. The effectiveness and potential harms of such surveillance, however, have being questioned by the results of recent studies.

Studies of annual surveillance of women at high risk for ovarian cancer using CA 125 and TUVS, have reported low positive predictive values, limited sensitivity with a high number of false positive findings and an inability to detect early stage ovarian cancer. A recent study of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, concluded that annual surveillance with CA 125, TVUS and pelvic examination was not effective. The positive predictive values and sensitivities were low and the ovarian cancers found were at an advanced stage.

A meta-analysis of ovarian cancer screening in women at high risk has shown that they tend to develop high- grade serous cancer for which there is no recognisable precursor, so are detected at a later stage for which screening may be of limited value.

To discuss what your options are for surveillance and prevention of ovarian cancer speak to your healthcare professionals.

For further information visit National Breast Ovarian Cancer Centre

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