Currently, ovarian cancer screening is recommended only for women at increased or high risk of getting the disease. Even though ovarian cancer usually goes undiagnosed until it has expanded within the pelvis and stomach. During the late stage, ovarian cancer is relatively challenging to treat and can be fatal.
Being at high risk doesn’t always mean you’ll get ovarian cancer. However, you should get regular screening exams, so your trusted doctor can diagnose it at its earliest stay if you have ovarian cancer. Like any other cancer, when detected early, the chances for successfully treating the diseases are at maximum.
Aside from regular exams, you must practice awareness. It means you must know your body thoroughly from inside and out. As a result, it can help you notice changes such as abdominal discomfort and pain. Just when you see these signs, you can immediately report them to your chosen doctor without wasting time.
When Should You Think About Getting an Ovarian Cancer Screening Exam?
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
- Suspected risk of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
- Any close relative with ovarian cancer who has a suspected BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
- Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer)
Thus, if you came into any of these categories, consult your doctor when to start the screening schedule mentioned below:
- Get transvaginal ultrasound in every 6-12 months
- Get CA 125 blood test in every 6-12 months
Moreover, if you have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, you must get these exams done after each 6 months. Keep in mind to get in touch with your chosen doctor and discuss everything regarding the risk-decreasing salpingo-oophorectomy or surgery to detach your Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Thus surgery is only suggested for women who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations and no longer want to conceive further.
