Why screen for ovarian cancers?
The ovary is a deep-seated organ, the cancer spread within the abdomen is often without symptoms; the result is often a late diagnosis and advanced disease : 75% of these cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage and with a gloomy outlook; this is a formidable cancer. Thus, effective prevention measures must be taken early on in life, before any clinical signs have shown. While the overall five-year relative survival rate is on the order of 30%, the survival rate for Stage III and IV disease combined is only 10%. In contrast, a survival rate of 90% may be achieved for patients with early stage disease confined to the ovary. Diagnostic methods: 1) ultrasound scan: pelvic ultrasound, and endovaginal; Doppler ultrasound scan. 2) MRI: its tissue sensitivity allows perfect anatomic delimitation of tumors and their location in relation to the bladder and the rectum, and to the pelvic walls. 3) Tumor markers (blood test): -CA125: the cut-off rate is 35 U/l; its level is NOT in proportion to
