Study: Ovarian Tests Prevent Few Deaths

Annual screening tests would reduce deaths from ovarian cancer by about 11%, a new study finds. Researchers created a computer model to show the growth of ovarian cancer. Some types grow faster and others more slowly. The model accounted for this difference. Researchers also estimated how many cancers could be detected with current screening tests, and at what stages. They said the decrease in death rates with annual screening would be “modest.” Current tests are more likely to detect slow-growing cancers than fast-growing ones. That’s one reason the death reduction would not be greater, researchers said. The journal Cancer published the study online. HealthDay News wrote about it December 13.