We will soon be introducing legislation that will require insurance coverage for ovarian cancer screenings.

Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because it can develop without symptoms, which means a diagnosis is often discovered at an advanced stage.  In 2026, The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,010 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2026, and 12,450 women will die from ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

While ovarian cancer research is ongoing, there are surveillance tests for symptomatic women with a strong family history or BRCA gene mutations that can detect early signs of ovarian cancer. A simple blood screening test called CA-125, which measures protein in the blood, can detect potential signs of ovarian cancer. Elevated protein levels are found in about 80% of women with later-stage ovarian cancer and 50% of women with early-stage ovarian cancer. When combined with an ultrasound or exam, a routine ovarian cancer surveillance test can lead to a quicker diagnosis, better treatment plans and better odds of a patient becoming cancer-free.

In accordance with the U.S. Preventative Screening Task Force recommendations, our legislation would require insurers to cover an annual surveillance screening to detect ovarian cancer early for symptomatic women, 40 years of age or older with a known high-risk hereditary cancer syndrome. This policy will be modeled after bills overwhelmingly passed by the General Assembly with respect to breast cancer and colon cancer. I believe we should have the same form of insurance benefit for woman to test against this silent killer.

While we all may know women who have been affected by ovarian cancer, Rep. Marcell knows this issue personally through her family. We ask that you join us as we continue this fight against cancer and give all those at risk a better chance.