Norsk
Norwegian Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Avoid routine screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women with low risk

23. MARS 2026

Rationale: The risk of ovarian cancer is low, and routine screening in women with low risk does not improve outcomes. Routine screening does not reduce mortality, morbidity, or the risk of detecting cancer at an advanced stage. Neither regular ultrasound nor CA 125 testing has shown any effect on mortality. These tests, however, have been associated with an increased number of false positive results, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment. 

References:

  • http://legeforeningen.no/Fagmed/Norsk-gynekologisk-forening/Veiledere/Veileder-gynekologisk-onkologi/Eggstokk--tube--bukhinnekreft/ 
  • US Preventive Services Task Force, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, Owens DK, Barry MJ, Davidson KW, Doubeni CA, Epling JW Jr, Kemper AR, Krist AH, Kurth AE, Landefeld CS, Mangione CM, Phipps MG, Silverstein M, Simon MA, Tseng CW. Screening for Ovarian Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.
  • JAMA. 2018; 319(6):588. PMID 29450531