Early detection of Ovarian Cancer

Early detection has come in the form of a blood test that screens for a protein called CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125), which is commonly found on cancer cells in the ovary. A new study from the University College London has found that, with regular blood screenings for this protein, 86 percent of ovarian cancers can be found earlier than they might be detected through ultrasound. For women at high risk, this can be a very valuable test. Estimates indicate that there will be over 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2015. An even more startling statistic is that 14,000 are expected to die of ovarian cancer each year. Only 20 percent of these cancers are found at an early enough stage to cure patients long term. Compared to breast cancer, where 90 percent of cancers are detected early, there's a lot of room for improving early detection by figuring out who is at risk (women with a family history of ovarian and breast cancer as well as other genetically transmitted cancer syndromes) and then following these women closely with a blood test to catch this disease when the CA-125 just starts to rise. Screening tests may not be appropriate for women of average risk but, for those in the high-risk category, it is important to consult with health care experts familiar with the most current screening standards.