Study: 2 Tests Find Ovarian Cancers Early

A screening program using 2 tests appears to catch ovarian cancer at early stages, new research shows. About 3 out of 4 cases of ovarian cancer now are diagnosed after they have spread. Survival rates are low. The new research uses 2 tests that have been tried before. But in earlier studies the tests had abnormal results for many women who did not have ovarian cancer. The new study included more than 4,000 women, ages 50 and older. All were given a blood test each year for a protein called CA-125. Researchers compared their test results and ages with a database to assess their risk of ovarian cancer. They looked at not only the CA-125 level but how it changed over time. In 11 years of follow-up, only 3% of the women were found to be at high risk. They received a second test called a transvaginal ultrasound. Ten women had suspicious results.