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Screening for Ovarian Cancer

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Release Date: May 2004

Summary of Recommendation / Supporting Documents


Summary of Recommendation

  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine screening for ovarian cancer.

    Rating: "D" recommendation.

    Rationale: The USPSTF found fair evidence that screening with serum CA-125 level or transvaginal ultrasound can detect ovarian cancer at an earlier stage than it can be detected in the absence of screening; however, the USPSTF found fair evidence that earlier detection would likely have a small effect, at best, on mortality from ovarian cancer. Because of the low prevalence of ovarian cancer and the invasive nature of diagnostic testing after a positive screening test, there is fair evidence that screening could likely lead to important harms. The USPSTF concluded that the potential harms outweigh the potential benefits.

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Supporting Documents

Screening for Ovarian Cancer, May 2004
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 188 KB; PDF Help)
Brief Evidence Update (PDF File, 182 KB; PDF Help)

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Current as of May 2004


Internet Citation:

Screening for Ovarian Cancer, Topic Page. May 2004. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsovar.htm


 

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