OCRF Statement on OVA1

Some of you may have recently seen articles in the newspaper or on TV about a test called OVA1.  OVA1 is a test approved by the FDA which measures the levels of five proteins in blood samples from women with a known ovarian mass that have been reported to change when ovarian cancer is present.  The test may be a useful tool in identifying women who should be referred to a gynecologic oncologist for their ovarian cancer surgery.

The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund applauds scientific advances in the war against ovarian cancer.  We concur with the statement issued by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO), which says that “OVA1 may help healthcare providers better detect when referral to a gynecologic oncologist is indicated.  However, this test has not been approved for use as an ovarian cancer screening tool, nor has it been proven to result in early detection or reduce the risk of death from this disease.”

To read the SGO’s full statement on OVA1, click here.