Ovarian cancer screening & diagnosis

There is not currently a routine screening test for ovarian cancer. If ovarian cancer is suspected because of other symptoms, your doctor may order a CA-125 blood test to measure the level of the CA-125 protein antigen in the blood. High levels of CA-125 are often found in those with ovarian cancer.

If the blood tests come back positive, your doctor may choose to remove tissue samples (biopsy) or order one of the following screenings:

• Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan): Diagnostic imaging procedure that produces cross-sectional images of the body; CT scans help your doctors know whether the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries.
• Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency soundwaves to create a moving, real-time image of the internal organs.
• Barium Enema- X-Ray: Special X-ray of the lower intestine, to help determine if cancer has spread
• Colonoscopy: Using a long, thin, lighted tube, doctors can look inside the digestive tract to see if cancer has spread

Ovarian cancer risk factor testing

Our cancer genetic risk assessment program offers counseling and testing for people concerned about their risk of cancers such as ovarian cancer and breast cancer. Genetic testing can identify specific genes related to the risk factors of ovarian cancer.

Our board-certified genetic counselors will walk through the results with you, discuss next steps and refer you to a specialist, if you are at risk.  Ovarian cancer has a higher treatment success rate if found early, before it grows in your ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Learn about our cancer genetic risk assessment program.

What are the causes of ovarian cancer?

Cancer starts when cells in your body grow rapidly and spread. Researchers haven’t discovered any ovarian cancer causes.

Certain risk factors may increase your chance of developing ovarian cancer, including:

• Having close family members who have had ovarian cancer
• Having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes