Ovarian Cancer Screening for Women at Risk

Last Updated: Aug. 1, 2003

The Columbia St. Mary’s Cancer Services included the area’s first ongoing Ovarian Cancer Screening Program for women at high risk. The screening service, which began at St. Mary’s Hospital of Milwaukee in 1991, was linked with national efforts to improve awareness, diagnosis and treatment.

For nine years the data regarding test results was confidentially shared with the Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry. Columbia St. Mary’s is proud to have been part of this very important contribution furthering research, promoting early detection and increasing public awareness of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Screening Services has evolved and is now offered at all three of Columbia St. Mary’s hospitals.

Know your family history
While each of us has a different level of cancer risk, studies indicate a strong family link in the development of ovarian cancer. This link is often referred to as “familial.” It means that women with a mother, sister, daughter, grandmother or two aunts, who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, are considered at “high risk” for developing the disease.

Recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer
The slogan for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is “Ovarian cancer – a whisper, so listen.” The whisper refers to the following symptoms of ovarian cancer, which are often overlooked.

• Vague but persistent gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, nausea, indigestion, or pain
• Frequency and or urgency of urination
• Constipation
• Menstrual disorders such as abnormal bleeding or post-menopausal bleeding
• On-going fatigue
• Pain during intercourse
• As the disease progresses, a collection of fluid causes an enlarged abdomen

Learn about the detection of ovarian cancer
If the vague but persistent symptoms listed above last for three to six weeks:

• Have a rectovaginal examination.
• Have your family history taken by a physician who is knowledgeable about the risks and symptoms associated with ovarian cancer.
• If an irregularity of an ovary is found. insist on a CA-125 blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound.

Participate in ovarian cancer screening
Guidelines for a thorough ovarian cancer screening include the following:

• Your gynecologist or personal physician begins the process by performing a pelvic exam including a rectovaginal examination.

Within two to three weeks you would also have the following tests:

1. Vaginal Ultrasound
This test is done in the department of Radiology, Ultrasound, or the Women’s Center. It helps to visualize and detect abnormal growths.

2. CA-125
This blood test, done in the Laboratory Department, identifies a protein called CA-125. Elevated levels of this protein have been associated with ovarian cancer.

You will need to schedule your appointment for a pelvic exam with your personal physician. Your physician will then be responsible for providing the orders needed to obtain the vaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood test. Both tests can be scheduled directly by calling the hospital of your choice:

St. Mary’s Hospital of Milwaukee (414)-291-1826
St. Mary’s Hospital of Ozaukee (262)-243-7381
Columbia Hospital (414)-961-3838

If you are underinsured or have no insurance and or feel that you may be at high risk for ovarian cancer, or need more information, please call Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Oncology Outreach Services at (414) 291-1000, extension 3104.

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