Finding ovarian cancer early

Last medical review:

When ovarian cancer is found and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. Get regular health checkups and see your doctor if you have any symptoms or are worried about your health.

If you have a higher than average risk, you may need to visit your doctor more often to check for ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor about tests that can help find ovarian cancer early, including the following:

  • a pelvic exam
  • transvaginal ultrasound
  • cancer antigen 125 (CA125) test

Expert review and references

  • American Cancer Society. Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors. 2025. https://www.cancer.org/.
  • Tewari SK, Penson TR, Monk JB. Ovarian Cancer. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg S. eds. DeVita Hellman and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2023: Kindle version, [chapter 52], https://read.amazon.ca/?asin=B0BG3DPT4Q&language=en-CA.
  • PDQ Screening and Prevention Editorial Board. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancers Prevention (PDQ®) – Health Professional Version . Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/.

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Medical disclaimer

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