What is recommended for annual screening in women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer?

Annual screening for women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer typically involves the use of CA-125 and transvaginal ultrasound. This is due to the increased risk of ovarian cancer in individuals with a significant familial predisposition, such as those who may carry BRCA mutations or have a first-degree relative affected by the disease.

The CA-125 test measures the level of a protein in the blood that can be elevated in women with ovarian cancer, while a transvaginal ultrasound is a valuable imaging tool that can help detect ovarian masses or other abnormalities. Together, these modalities are used for surveillance, aiming to identify ovarian cancer at an earlier, potentially more treatable stage in high-risk populations.

While other screening options, such as mammograms, pelvic exams, and Pap smears, are important for women's health, they do not specifically target ovarian cancer and therefore are not recommended for annual screening in this context.