Ovarian Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Program

​The Northwestern Medicine Ovarian Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Program is dedicated to providing comprehensive screening and counseling to women at high risk for the development of ovarian cancer, as well as developing new tests that may lead to the detection of ovarian cancer at an early stage.

Each visit is about sixty minutes in length, which is divided between a transvaginal ultrasound exam and a physician visit. The ultrasound exam allows the physicians to visualize the ovaries and the blood flow surrounding them. The ultrasound is then discussed with the patient by the physician, along with updating medical and family history.

Additionally, we will discuss plans regarding further screening and preventive measures, such as medications or surgery. After the office visit, patients typically have blood drawn to check a CA-125 level, one of the components of the screening evaluation.

You may be eligible for our program if:

• You have tested positive for BRCA1, BRCA2, a Lynch syndrome mutation, or other genes associated with increased ovarian cancer risk.
• You have a family member who tested positive for a mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2, or a Lynch syndrome gene.
• You have a mother, sister, or daughter that has been diagnosed with either ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer.
• You have two or more relatives diagnosed with ovarian, peritoneal, fallopian tube, uterine, colon, or pancreatic cancer before the age of 50. (Relative can be a parent, child, sibling, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, or grandparent).

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If you would like to schedule an appointment or have questions regarding the program please call 312.472.4151.

Meet Our Team

• Arjeme Denise Cavens, MD
• ​Lee Shulman, MD
• Andrew Wagner, MD
• Olivia Pennebaker, RN

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Call 312.472.4151 to request an appointment, or with questions about the program.