The effectiveness of ovarian cancer screening. A decision analysis model.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the effectiveness of ovarian cancer screening with CA 125 and transvaginal sonography.


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


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


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


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


METHODS
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.
Schapira
M M
MM
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Matchar
D B
DB
Young
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate / Q000097:blood; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003663:Decision Trees; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015996:Survival Rate; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate