High-Risk Ovarian Cancer Clinic

Roswell Park offers a unique program to help women who face above-average risk for developing ovarian cancer. Our experts can provide information, screening, guidance, and preventive options to help you take control of your health. We offer:

Ovarian cancer registry
  • Comprehensive risk assessment
  • Genetic counseling and testing (if needed)
  • Ovarian cancer screening tests* (blood tests for CA-125 and transvaginal ultrasound) every six months
  • Options to reduce your ovarian cancer risk, such as oral contraceptives, or surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy) or other strategies
  • Clinical trials of new therapies for preventing ovarian cancer

*We follow the screening guidelines set by the National Cancer Center Network (NCCN) for women with a genetic predisposition (BRCA1 or BRCA2 positive) for developing ovarian cancer. CA-125 is a substance found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells and on some normal tissues. A high CA-125 level could be a sign of ovarian cancer; other cancers such as breast, lung and pancreatic; or benign conditions such as pelvic infection, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis. But the CA-125 test is not a definitive test and it’s just one piece of the screening puzzle. Some ovarian cancers do not raise CA-125 level. Screening is not recommended for women at average risk (those without a familial link or personal history).

Are you eligible for the High-Risk Ovarian Cancer Clinic?

You may be at above-average risk if you have one or more of the following factors:

  • You were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45
  • Male relative with breast cancer
  • Personal or family history of ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer in a first- or second-degree relative (mother, sister, grandmother)
  • Personal or family history of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch Syndrome) in a first- or second-degree relative
  • Personal or family history of a BRCA1 or 2 gene mutation

Take our Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment to determine if this program is appropriate for you.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment