FDA Cautions Against Ovarian Cancer Screens

An FDA safety communication alerts women to risks associated with using tests marketed as ovarian cancer screening tests. The alert says that the agency is especially concerned about delaying effective preventive treatments for women who show no symptoms but still are at increased risk for developing ovarian cancer.

“Despite extensive research and published studies, there are currently no screening tests for ovarian cancer that are sensitive enough to reliably screen for ovarian cancer without a high number of inaccurate results,” the agency says. “However, over the years, numerous companies have marketed tests that claim to screen for and detect ovarian cancer.”

The alert describes the problems that can arise from both false positive and false negative results. It includes recommendations for women, including those at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and for doctors.