There Is No Reliable Ovarian Cancer Screening Test. So What Are We Doing? (Ovarian Cancer Awareness Series, Part 2 of 9)

There is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. So what are we actually doing when we go in for CA125 blood work and a transvaginal ultrasound?

This is Episode 2 of 9 in our Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month series on BRCA & Beyond.

Host Marisa Stachelski, a BRCA2 previvor and colon cancer survivor, breaks down the difference between screening and surveillance and why that one word causes so much confusion for people living with hereditary ovarian cancer risk. CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound can give your doctor real information, but neither has been shown to reliably catch ovarian cancer early enough, across the board, to save lives. Understanding that distinction changes how you should read a normal result and why some high-risk women are still offered these tests while others aren't.

In this episode, Marisa covers:

• What CA125 actually measures, and why a normal result does not rule out ovarian cancer
• What a transvaginal ultrasound can and cannot see, especially given how many ovarian cancers may begin as microscopic changes
• Why "surveillance" is a more accurate word than "screening" and why that difference matters for your own care
• The false sense of security these tests can create, even when they are genuinely useful
• Why ovarian cancer is not a silent killer so much as a silent disease, and the symptoms worth paying attention to, including bloating, pelvic discomfort, and changes in bowel or urinary habits
• Why building an effective screening test is such a difficult scientific problem, and what that means for high-risk women right now

If you carry a mutation linked to ovarian cancer or you are trying to understand what your CA125 and ultrasound results actually mean, this episode gives you the full picture your appointment might not have time for.

New episodes drop weekly throughout September for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

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This podcast shares personal stories and experiences for informational and inspirational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own doctor or genetic counselor before making medical decisions.

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Medical Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

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