Ovarian Cancer Program, Early Detection

An early detection program for ovarian cancer was established at Yale University in 1990 in order to identify:

    - Which screening tests are the most appropriate for detecting early ovarian cancer
    - How often the tests should be employed
    - What are the variations from the norm of these tests in a population study

Ultimately, the wish of the program is to identify ovarian cancer in its early stages when it is highly curable, rather than in the more advanced stages when, overwhelmingly, treatment is palliative. Women volunteering in the Early Detection Program for Ovarian Cancer must:

    - Have a first-degree relative(s) who has experienced ovarian cancer, and

    - Be over age 30

Participants fill out a very extensive personal history and family history form. They then are entered into the program, are interviewed by a medical social worker and nurse practitioner, and then undergo a complete physical examination by a gynecologic oncologist. Blood tests are obtained, looking for circulating molecules that serve as markers for ovarian cancer. Participants are asked to return in six months and in one year following the initial evaluation for repeat physical examinations and tumor marker studies.

In the intervening three- and nine-month periods of time, participants have state-of-the-art transvaginal ultrasound examinations and color Doppler flow studies.

These studies have proven useful in distinguishing benign tumors from ovarian malignancies and are now being used by our group to detect early ovarian cancer before it has produced any symptoms or has spread. Participants are re-evaluated every six months thereafter, with alternating physical examinations and ultrasounds, as well as tumor-marker studies. Women participating in this program are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer. Participants are urged to participate in an annual mammography program beginning at age 40.

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	Azodi, Masoud, MD	Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences	(203) 200-4176 Appts (203) 200-5077 Fax
	Ratner, Elena, MD	Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences	(203) 200-4176 Appts (203) 200-5077 Fax
	Rutherford, Thomas J., MD, PhD	Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; Section Chief, Gynecologic Oncology	(203) 200-4176 Appts (203) 200-5077 Fax
	Santin, Alessandro D., MD	Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; Clinical Research Program Leader, Gynecologic Oncology Program, Yale Cancer Center	(203) 200-4176 Appts (203) 200-5077 Fax
	Schwartz, Peter E, MD	John Slade Ely Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; Vice Chair, Gynecology	(203) 785-4014 Appts (203) 785-4135 Fax
	Silasi, Dan-Arin, MD	Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences	(203) 200-4176 Appts (203) 200-5077 Fax

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