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Screening for Ovarian Cancer

Key points

  • There is no reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer in women who do not have any symptoms.
  • It is important to recognize symptoms and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

What to know

Photo of a doctor talking to a patient
If you notice any changes in your body that are not normal for you and could be a sign of ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor about them.

There are no screening tests for ovarian cancer in women who do not have any signs or symptoms. The Pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer.

Screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Diagnostic tests are used when a person has symptoms. The purpose of diagnostic tests is to find out, or diagnose, what is causing the symptoms. Diagnostic tests also may be used to check a person who is considered at high risk for cancer.

Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancers except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize symptoms and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

Here is what you can do:

  • Pay attention to your body, and know what is normal for you.
  • If you notice any changes in your body that are not normal for you and could be a sign of ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor about them.

When to get tested

Ask your doctor if you should have a diagnostic test, like a rectovaginal pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, or a CA-125 blood test if you have any unexplained signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer. These tests sometimes help find or rule out ovarian cancer.

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division of Cancer Prevention and Control