Guidance

Population screening and early detection of ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women 

1. For asymptomatic women at population risk of ovarian cancer, there is currently no evidence that any test, including pelvic examination, CA125 or other biomarkers, ultrasound (including transvaginal ultrasound), or combination of tests, results in reduced mortality from ovarian cancer.
    
2. For routine population-based screening for ovarian cancer, there is no evidence to support the use of any test, including pelvic examination, CA125, or other biomarkers, ultrasound (including transvaginal ultrasound), or combination of tests.
    
3. Conclusive evidence from large randomised controlled trials is required before current or new tests can be recommended for routine use in a population screening setting.

Surveillance of asymptomatic women at high or potentially high risk of ovarian cancer

1. For asymptomatic women at high or potentially high risk of ovarian cancer, there is currently no evidence that any test, including pelvic examination, CA125 or other biomarkers, ultrasound (including transvaginal ultrasound), or combination of tests, results in reduced mortality from ovarian cancer.
    
2. For asymptomatic women at high or potentially high risk of ovarian cancer, there is no evidence to support the use of any test, including pelvic examination, CA125, or other biomarkers, ultrasound (including transvaginal ultrasound), or combination of tests, for surveillance for ovarian cancer.

Practice points 

1. Referral for genetic assessment should be discussed with women who are at potentially high risk of ovarian cancer.
    
2. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the most effective risk-reducing strategy for ovarian cancer in high-risk women.^1,2