A major study of annual screening (with ultrasound and CA125) for four years failed to show much of a benefit with screening. Over 75% of the cancers diagnosed were still Stage III or IV. This remains the big problem with ovarian cancer: symptoms are vague and by the time it's diagnosed it's usually in an advanced state. Mortality data is still lacking from this study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology in April. A summary of the research can be found on the excellent Libby's H*O*P*E.

LabCorp reps are visiting offices to hawk OvaSure a new ovarian cancer screening test. The need for an ovarian cancer screening test is huge. Ovarian cancer is a tremendous problem because although it affects relatively low numbers of women each year it often presents at an advanced incurable stage. A screening test for ovarian cancer therefore is welcome and overdue. I have not personally been impressed by the performance of CA-125 as a screening test and pelvic ultrasound is invasive and not very effective either. Enter OvaSure.