Ovarian Cancer Tests for Healthy Women Unnecessary, Panel Says
Published at(NEW YORK) — A panel of medical experts warned Monday that tests for ovarian cancer should not be given to women who are healthy with only an average risk of the disease because the screenings are largely ineffective.
Dr. Virginia Moyer, chairwoman of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, which issued the report, said, “In fact, a high percentage of women who undergo screening experience false-positive test results and consequently may be subjected to unnecessary harms, such as major surgery.”
According to the panel, screenings that involve blood tests and ultrasound scans often result in surgeries with high complication rates.
The same panel has come under some fire for warning against mammograms for women and PSA screening for prostate cancer for men when patients are under the age of 50.
However, this latest recommendation against ovarian cancer screenings also has the support of the American Cancer Society and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Health experts are not denying the seriousness of ovarian cancer, which affects 22,280 annually, killing 15,500.
Generally, by the time the cancer is detected, it is already in advanced stages. Warning signs include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full early while eating and needing to urinate frequently.
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