Which test is used to screen for ovarian cancer?

The test used to screen for ovarian cancer is CA125. This is a blood test that measures the level of the cancer antigen 125 protein, which can be found at elevated levels in women with ovarian cancer. While CA125 is not exclusively for ovarian cancer and can be elevated in other conditions (including endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease), it is widely recognized as a useful marker in evaluating women who are at high risk or showing symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer. Monitoring CA125 levels can help in assessing treatment response or recurrence as well.

Other tests like CA27.29 are primarily used for monitoring breast cancer, a PAP smear is a cervical cancer screening test, and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is focused on prostate cancer, which demonstrates that each test is tailored for specific types of cancer detection rather than a broad-spectrum screening solution.