adult screening programme

Ovarian cancer

The ovaries are a pair of small organs in the female reproductive system. If the ovaries become cancerous the disease can spread to other parts of the reproductive system and the surrounding areas. This includes the womb (uterus), vagina and stomach (abdomen).

UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in July 2017.

Screening is not currently recommended for this condition.

The UK NSC does not recommend screening for ovarian cancer. The committee looked at clinical trial data from the UKCTOCS trial. Women in this trial were screened for ovarian cancer. Data showed the number of women who were still alive 11 years after being screened. In this trial screening did not reduce the number of women who had died from ovarian cancer.

The trial will continue to follow the women who were screened. The committee agreed to review longer term results when they are published.

Supporting documents from the 2017 review

Evidence summary Ovarian cancer (2016)
This document provides the evidence on which the current UK NSC recommendation is based.

Review cycle

Date previous review completed: 2017

Next review estimated to be completed: 2021 to 2022.

To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.

Organisations interested in Ovarian cancer

These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.

List of organisations

If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.

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