This article reviews the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of ovarian
cancer, particularly those aspects that help identify a target popula
tion for screening and those relating to prognosis. It also discusses
the feasibility of screening and assesses the possible use of several
of the available diagnostic tests as screening procedures. The case is
made for screening for this disease, especially among individuals at
high risk of disease. Current understanding offers few strategies for
primary prevention, and 5-year survival rates for ovarian cancer remai
n dismal.