Are screenings for ovarian cancer reliable?

At present, there does not seem to be a reliable screening test for ovarian cancer in low risk populations. Different blood tests and imaging studies (such as annual sonograms) have been proposed, but with disappointing results. There is hope on the horizon, however. For high risk individuals certain specific protocols for screening may yield results. In addition, there are several research endeavors looking at changes in "nanoproteins" (proteins that are found in minute levels in the bloodstream.) This field, called "Proteomics" holds promise, but such testing is not yet available or reliable enough to use on a widespread basis.

There have been many studies evaluating different preventative screening approaches. Consistently, the studies show that as many as half of the women who are discovered to have cancer while they’re on a screening trial actually have advanced ovarian cancer. So, despite the fact that they’re actually getting intensively followed with these tests, the screening still didn’t find it early in as many as half. It’s been really problematic.