Cancer of the ovaries causes approximately 15,000 deaths annually and remains the number one cancer killer of the female reproductive system. Ovarian cancer kills because its detection often comes late in the disease after it spreads. Early detection may lead to a decrease in the mortality rate, and some old and new tests can prevent the likelihood of ovarian cancer death.
CA-125
Cancer antigen 125 is a protein that lives on the surface of cancer cells, especially in cases of ovarian cancer. This antigen is released by the cell into the bloodstream. Blood tests indicate the amount of CA-125 in the blood and the likelihood of ovarian cancer.
Unfortunately, Johns Hopkins reports that this test is not 100-percent accurate. Stage one ovarian cancer produces an elevated CA-125 level only 50 percent of the time. In later stages of ovarian cancer, 80 percent of blood tests show elevations. Furthermore some patients will show no elevations in CA-125 despite having the disease. Also, other diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver and pancreatic cancer also elevate CA-125 levels. Even with its less than perfect accuracy, this test remains commonly used as an indicator for ovarian cancer.
OVA1
OVA1 met Federal Drug Administration approval in September 2009 for the early prediction of ovarian cancer. OVA1 tests five proteins in the blood associated with ovarian cancer.
OVA1's manufacturer, Vermillion, claims this blood test predicts whether an ovarian mass is cancerous prior to any form of treatment. Although this test indicates ovarian cancer prior to the removal of an ovarian mass, it is not used alone as a screening tool to detect the disease.
BRCA1 and BRCA 2 Mutations
Human genes associated with hereditary ovarian cancer include BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes have mutations that allow cancer to grow. In cases of hereditary ovarian cancer, these genes pass from generation to generation. Blood tests to detect mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 are available to those with a family history of ovarian cancer.
The National Cancer Institute reports that women with these mutations have an increased risk for the disease. Although these tests are not screening tools for most women, they are risk indicators and work for prevention in women with high-risk predisposition to the disease.
