Health
Reports out on ovarian cancer screening, symptoms
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 21, 2004
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against routine screening for ovarian cancer in a May report.
Although the task force found fair evidence that screening with serum CA-125 or transvaginal ultrasound can help detect ovarian cancer at an earlier stage, there was also only fair evidence that earlier detection would have a substantial effect on death rate.
Because of the low prevalence of ovarian cancer and the invasive nature of diagnostic testing after a positive screening test, the task force determined that the potential harm from screening could outweigh any benefits. However, the task force did indicate that screening could be beneficial for women with a family history of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death among women in the United States, accounting for 25,400 new cases and 14,300 deaths in 2003.
Meanwhile, a study in the June 8 Journal of the American Medical Association found that 80% to 90% of women with early stage ovarian cancer report symptoms for several months prior to diagnosis.
The finding has clinical implications because earlier detection and treatment leads to higher survival rates, said the researchers.
Women with malignant masses typically experience symptoms more frequently and more severely than do women with benign conditions. Women with ovarian cancer also have symptoms of recent onset and have multiple coexisting symptoms, said the researchers, calling into question whether ovarian cancer's title as the "silent killer" is appropriate.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/06/21/hlbf0621.htm.
