Ovarian cancer: Epidemiologic and clinical perspectives and the feasibility of screening

This article reviews the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of ovarian cancer, particularly those aspects that help identify a target population for screening and those relating to prognosis. It also discusses the feasibility of screening and assesses the possible use of several of the available diagnostic tests as screening procedures. The case is made for screening for this disease, especially among individuals at high risk of disease. Current understanding offers few strategies for primary prevention, and 5-year survival rates for ovarian cancer remain dismal.