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Reported ovarian cancer screening among a population-based sample in Washington state
C Drescher1, S K Holt, M R Andersen
1Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle 98104, USA. cdresche@fhcrc.org
Objective:
To assess the prevalence of reported ovarian cancer screening among a population-based sample of women from Washington state and identify factors that influence the decision to be screened.
Methods:
A population-based sample of 6749 women aged 54-84 years, living in 40 predominately rural communities in Washington state, was surveyed about their utilization of ultrasonography and CA 125 for ovarian cancer screening. We also assessed relevant demographic, family history, psychosocial, and health behavior variables.
Results:
After exclusions, data from 4938 respondents were available. Two percent (n = 96) reported having been screened. Multiple logistic regression identified ovarian cancer worry, contact with an obstetrician-gynecologist, and family history of ovarian cancer as independently associated with screening. Based on self-reported family histories, 27 women had pedigrees consistent with high risk of ovarian cancer, but none of those women reported having been screened.
Conclusion:
Ovarian cancer screening is rare. Women at high risk of it might not be getting recommended screening.