Researchers looking into the usefulness of ovarian cancer screening studied 78,216 women ages 55 to 74, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Half of those studied had received screening for ovarian cancer (CA-125 testing every year for six years as well as ultrasound yearly for four years). The control group received no screening. Both the control and treatment groups were followed for a maximum of 12 years.

There was no significant difference between ovarian cancers detected or deaths from ovarian cancers between the two groups.

However, 3,285 women had false-positive testing in the screening group. Among those with false positive testing, 1,080 underwent major surgery and 15 percent of the false-positive surgery patients had major complications.

A good screening will pick up cancer at an early stage, and allow a medical intervention to prevent progression and prolong survival.

Unfortunately, nearly all of the present-day screening tests are failing (e.g. mammograms and PSA testing).

We have limited health care dollars. These health care dollars would be better spent on true preventive methods such as cleaning up diets, detoxifying the body, and ensuring adequate nutritional levels.

I am frequently asked by my patients to order a CA-125 test during the routine blood work. I counsel against it.

Until we have better ovarian cancer screening tests, it is best to seek regular gynecological care where a manual exam can be performed to feel the ovaries. If something abnormal is detected in the exam , a workup can be started.