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Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Screening
In 2009 the Marsha Rivkin Center, in collaboration with Swedish Medical Center and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, opened enrollment to the Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Screening Program (OCEDP). The purpose of this screening study program is to test whether CA-125 blood tests and annual ovarian ultrasounds help detect ovarian cancer early in women at increased risk. Participation in this study is free and is funded by the Rivkin Center with philanthropic support from the community. The screening study program also provides information and resources to assist researchers in finding additional blood markers that might complement the CA-125 blood test in diagnosing ovarian cancer at an early stage.
The Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Screening Program is an extension of a screening study started in 2002 by Dr. Nicole Urban of the Hutchinson Center. Not only did that study monitor women for ovarian cancer, but over 200,000 clinical specimens have been collected and are available to researchers nationwide who are working on early detection blood markers. The current screening study program has a goal of enrolling 750 women through various avenues. Results on biannual CA-125 tests and yearly ultrasounds will provide researchers with data on early detection rates for high-risk women. Clinical specimens collected from current participants will continue to be banked for research purposes at the Hutchinson Center, building on the research resource started in 2002.
By establishing a research resource of high quality clinical specimens, the screening study program provides a powerful tool for scientists looking to improve early detection. Today, ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of gynecological cancer deaths in the United States. Today more than 70% of women are diagnosed in late stages when the cancer has spread outside the ovary. Survival rates are highest when ovarian cancer is detected early and still confined to the ovary. If ovarian cancer could be detected earlier, fewer lives would be lost to the disease. Donations to the Marsha Rivkin Center contribute to developing vital resources for early detection, including this specimen collection.
Click here for more information on enrollment to the Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Screening Program (OCEDP).