Screening for Ovarian Cancer: What You Should Know
Screening for Ovarian Cancer
Written By Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD
Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because its symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked.[1] Each year, thousands of women are diagnosed with this condition, often at an advanced stage, when it’s harder to treat.[1]
So, is screening for ovarian cancer possible? And what steps can you take to detect it early, especially if you’re at higher risk?
These screening for ovarian cancer guidelines explain what science currently says about ovarian cancer screening and how to stay proactive about your health.
What Is Ovarian Cancer and Who Is at Risk?
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries or related structures such as the fallopian tubes.[2] There are several types, but the most common is epithelial ovarian cancer, which starts in the cells lining the ovaries.[2]
While any woman can develop ovarian cancer, several risk factors may increase your chances:
- A family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Age (most common in women over 50)
- Endometriosis or hormone replacement therapy use
- Never having been pregnant
If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider about whether genetic screening for ovarian cancer is right for you.[3]
Are There Recommended Screening Tests for Ovarian Cancer?
Currently, no routine screening tests are recommended for ovarian cancer in average-risk women. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), there is no evidence that existing screening methods reduce mortality in women without symptoms or a high genetic risk.[4]
For women who are at high risk, such as those with BRCA mutations or a strong family history, screening might involve a combination of imaging and blood tests, although evidence of their effectiveness remains limited.[5]
How Ovarian Cancer Is Diagnosed
While there’s no single “screening test” for ovarian cancer, healthcare providers use a combination of tools to evaluate symptoms or suspicious findings.
Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS)
TVUS uses sound waves to create an image of the ovaries and surrounding tissues. It can help detect abnormal masses, but it can’t determine whether they are cancerous.[5]
CA-125 Blood Test
The CA-125 test measures levels of a protein that may be elevated in women with ovarian cancer. However, CA-125 levels can also be high due to non-cancerous conditions like endometriosis, menstruation, or pelvic inflammatory disease, which limits its use as a general screening tool.[5]
Pelvic Exam
A routine pelvic exam may help detect masses or changes in the reproductive organs. Still, small tumors may not be palpable, especially in early stages.[5]
These tools are typically used in combination when ovarian cancer is suspected based on symptoms, imaging, or family history, not as part of routine screening.
The Role of Genetic Screening in Ovarian Cancer
Genetic screening can play a key role in identifying women who are at increased risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations significantly raise the lifetime risk of both ovarian and breast cancers.[6]
If you have a family history of these cancers, a genetic counselor or healthcare provider may recommend testing.
Can You Check for Ovarian Cancer at Home?
There is no at-home diagnostic test for ovarian cancer. However, being aware of persistent symptoms may help with early detection. These include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Frequent urination
If you experience these symptoms consistently for more than a few weeks, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider rather than looking for how to check for ovarian cancer at home.[7] Symptom tracking apps or journals may help you notice patterns over time.
What Is the Ovarian Cancer Screening Age?
Routine screening isn’t recommended for average-risk individuals at any age. However, high-risk women, especially those with genetic predispositions, may begin discussions with their provider about risk-reduction strategies starting in their 30s or 40s.[2],[3]
Healthcare professionals may recommend periodic imaging or blood tests for surveillance, but this should always be done under medical guidance.[5]
Is Early Detection Possible?
Early stage ovarian cancer is difficult to detect because symptoms are often vague and may not appear until the disease has advanced.
However, according to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer at Stage I is approximately 93%. In contrast, for women diagnosed at Stage IV (when the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body), the 5-year relative survival rate drops to about 31%.[8]
This highlights the importance of risk awareness, prompt symptom evaluation, and appropriate referrals, especially for women with a family history or genetic mutations.
Common Myths About Ovarian Cancer Screening
There are a couple of common myths you may have heard about ovarian cancer screening.
Myth #1: A Pap smear detects ovarian cancer.
False. Pap smears are designed to detect cervical cancer, not ovarian cancer.[9]
Myth #2: If I don’t have symptoms, I don’t need to worry.
Not necessarily. Ovarian cancer often develops silently. Being proactive about family history and genetic risk can make a difference.[10]
FAQs: Common Questions About Ovarian Cancer Screening
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed early?
There is no single best test. A combination of transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood tests may be used in high-risk women.[5]
Can ovarian cancer be found in a blood test?
The CA-125 blood test for ovarian cancer may indicate the presence of ovarian cancer, but it’s not definitive and may miss early cases.[5]
How can I check for ovarian cancer at home?
There is no at-home screening test for ovarian cancer. Tracking persistent symptoms and knowing your risk factors is the best proactive approach.[7]
What age should screening start for ovarian cancer?
Routine screening isn’t recommended for average-risk women. High-risk women may begin evaluation discussions in their 30s or 40s.[2],[3]
Is a Pap smear useful for ovarian cancer?
No. Pap tests screen for cervical cancer, not ovarian cancer.[9]
How Everlywell Can Help
While Everlywell doesn’t offer direct screening for ovarian cancer, our Women’s Health and Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test can help you monitor important aspects of reproductive and genetic health.
These insights can empower you to start informed conversations with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a family history of cancer or are experiencing symptoms.
Taking a proactive role in your health journey starts with knowing your risks, tracking your symptoms, and understanding your body.
References
- Jasen P. From the “Silent Killer” to the “Whispering Disease”: ovarian cancer and the uses of metaphor. Medical History. 2009;53(4):489–512. doi:10.1017/s0025727300000521. Accessed July 20, 2025.
- Epithelial ovarian cancer. Cleveland Clinic. Published June 2, 2025. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22250-epithelial-ovarian-cancer
- Ovarian cancer risk factors. Ovarian Cancer. Published September 9, 2024. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/ovarian-cancer/risk-factors/
- Grossman DC, Curry SJ, Owens DK, et al. Screening for ovarian cancer. JAMA. 2018;319(6):588. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.21926. Accessed July 20, 2025.
- Ovarian, fallopian tube, & primary peritoneal cancers screening. Cancer.gov. Published May 8, 2025. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/patient/ovarian-screening-pdq
- BRCA gene changes: cancer risk and genetic testing fact sheet. Cancer.gov. Published July 19, 2024. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet
- Symptoms of ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer. Published September 9, 2024. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/ovarian-cancer/symptoms/
- Ovarian cancer survival rates | Ovarian cancer prognosis. American Cancer Society. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
- DeMarco C. How is ovarian cancer diagnosed? MD Anderson Cancer Center. February 2023. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/how-is-ovarian-cancer-diagnosed.h00-159616278.html
- Screening for ovarian cancer. Cancer Research UK. Accessed July 20, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening