Research trials are being carried out to see whether ovarian cancers can be detected early so that they can be treated more effectively. The trials are testing women who have no symptoms of ovarian cancer, to see if testing can detect the cancer at an early stage. This is known as screening. Currently it is not known whether screening can help to detect ovarian cancers at an earlier stage, so there is no national screening programme for ovarian cancer in the UK.

Women who may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer can ask their doctors to carry out regular tests for ovarian cancer as part of a research trial.

One research study is being carried out in certain parts of the UK. Some women who have had their menopause are invited by their GP for screening with either a blood test or a vaginal ultrasound. The blood test checks the levels of a protein called CA125.

CA125 is a protein that most women have in their blood. The level may be higher in women with ovarian cancer, as it is sometimes produced by ovarian cancer cells. However, CA125 is not specific to ovarian cancer, and the level can also be raised in women who have other non-cancerous gynaecological conditions.

In the trial, the number of women who develop ovarian cancer in the group who had testing will be compared with a group of women who have not had either of these tests. The aim of the trial is to see if either of these tests will help doctors diagnose women with ovarian cancer when their cancer is at an early stage.

Detailed information about UK ovarian cancer screening is in our health professional section.