A screening protocol for ovarian cancer should have a positive predictive value of at least 10% i.e. no more than nine healthy women with false-positive screens would undergo unnecessary procedures for each case of ovarian cancer detected.

Survival for ovarian cancer is much improved in early stage disease. But, most ovarian cancers have spread beyond the ovary at the time of diagnosis.

The strongest known risk factor for ovarian cancer is a family history.

Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is raised in 50-90% of women with early ovarian cancer but also can be elevated in numerous other conditions. Serial measurements of CA 125 are important

Transvaginal ultrasonography as a sole screening intervention is not recommended.

There is no recommendation to screen average-risk women for ovarian cancer. One should NOT screen with CA 125 in the average-risk woman.

An ovarian symptom index is considered positive in women who report pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, increased abdominal size, difficulty eating, or early satiety occurring more than 12 times a month, with symptoms present for less than one year.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania   (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA