[Ovarian cancer screening: recommendations for clinical pratice]

Ovarian cancer accounts for a minority of female cancers but remains the leading cause of death from gynaecologic cancers and the fifth leading cause of all cancer-related deaths among women. More than two thirds of cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed once the disease becomes symptomatic, i.e. at an advanced stage. Though early detection constitutes a legitimate aim, no screening approach has yet been shown to reduce ovarian cancer mortality. In particular, ovarian imagery with endovaginal ultrasonography and serum tumor markers (CA-125) dosage performed in asymptomatic individuals have not proven their efficacy. Screening of asymptomatic women is not therefore recommended because of the limited prevalence of ovarian cancer in the general population.