Screening for ovarian cancer has been attempted since the late 1980's. Most studies have involved the use of clinical examination CA 125 estimation and serial ultrasound scans. Large trials where conducted in the United Kingdom and thus far there has been no statistical evidence that these have reduced the incidence or death rate from ovarian cancer.
Even high risk patients with known mutations of BRCA 1 or 2 have not been found to benefit from surveillance ultrasound scans.
?There are a number of world health organisation criteria for screening tests which are unable to be satisfied for an effective screening test to be produced. Current research is identifying pre-invasive lesions which may be able to be used in the future and a discussion about imaging will be undertaken.