News from OCNA: OVA1 - Ovarian Cancer Blood Test - Now Available

Hi All - I just wanted to share with you an alert from the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

OVA1 - Ovarian Cancer Blood Test - Now Available
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance believes it is important to inform the community of the following information:

A new risk assessment test for ovarian cancer, OVA1, is now available. Vermillion's OVA1 test, available only through Quest Diagnostics, Inc., is the first blood test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help physicians determine the likelihood that a woman's ovarian mass is cancerous or not, prior to a planned surgery.

OVA1 measures the levels of five protein biomarkers in a woman's blood to determine the likelihood of cancer. Approximately 20 percent of women with pelvic masses have cancer, but the proportion rises with age.

The results of the test may help a physician decide the type of surgeon who should operate on a patient with a pelvic mass. Data shows that women with ovarian cancer who have their surgeries performed by a gynecologic oncologist fare better, however many women have their initial surgery performed by a gynecologist.

OVA1 is not a screening test for ovarian cancer. A physician should use the test along with clinical exams and other tests.

For more information, refer to: www.QuestDiagnostics.com/womenscancer