What is the recommended course of action for a 56-year-old female seeking ovarian cancer screening with no family history of related cancers?

For a 56-year-old female who is seeking ovarian cancer screening and has no family history of related cancers, the most appropriate course of action is to continue with yearly women's health examinations. Guidelines from various health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), indicate that routine ovarian cancer screening in asymptomatic women who are at average risk does not lead to improved outcomes.

Therefore, the approach to managing ovarian cancer risk in this scenario focuses on regular health examinations rather than specific screening tests that have not been proven effective for women without elevated risk factors. Yearly health exams provide an opportunity for the clinician to monitor general health, evaluate any symptoms, and address concerns that may arise over time while allowing for the appropriate level of vigilance concerning ovarian cancer, particularly as the patient ages.

Other strategies such as CA-125 testing, pelvic ultrasound, or BRCA gene testing are not routinely recommended for average-risk individuals and are more appropriately utilized in women with a significant family history or other high-risk indicators.