Tuesday, September 4, 2012

OC Awareness Month #4 - Can we screen for OC?

There is NO routine screening test for ovarian cancer.

The PAP test does not detect ovarian cancer. It detects cervical cancer.


There are a currently a number of clinical trials being run to detect the disease early. 
(http://cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search) The only way researchers will be able to develop an early detection screening test is through clinical trials.


Now if the doctor suspects you have ovarian cancer,  based on the symptoms you present,  the doctor may do a pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound or a blood assay test for CA-125. I'll talk about symptoms tomorrow.


Dee
Every day is a Blessing!

1 comment:

Facing Cancer Together said...

It's a really good point you make that cervical cancer tests (pap smears) don't check ovarian cancer. I think many women may simply assume the two go hand in hand.