The effectiveness of ovarian cancer screening. A decision analysis model.

Publication/Presentation Date

6-1-1993

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effectiveness of ovarian cancer screening with CA 125 and transvaginal sonography.

DESIGN: Decision analysis was used to examine the no-screen compared with the screen strategy.

SETTING: Estimates of cancer incidence, survival, and life expectancy were derived from population-based data and clinical series.

SUBJECTS: A cohort of 40-year-old women of all races and residing in the United States.

INTERVENTIONS: A one-time screening intervention. The criterion standard for diagnosis of ovarian cancer was evaluation with exploratory laparotomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Average years of life expectancy gained by women in the screened group.

RESULTS: Screening for ovarian cancer with a combination of CA 125 and transvaginal sonography increases the average life expectancy in the population by less than 1 day.

CONCLUSIONS: Given the limited effect on overall life expectancy, it is unlikely that mass screening for ovarian cancer with CA 125 and transvaginal sonography would be an effective health policy.

Volume

118

Issue

11

First Page

838

Last Page

843

ISSN

0003-4819

Disciplines

Medical Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

8480957

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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