In the trial, one group of older women with no cancer history received an ultrasound and CA-125 blood tests every year in hopes of spotting the disease early.
Another group wasn't screened.
The women who did develop cancer were at the same stage whether they were screened or not.
But, the group that was screened did have more false positives, which sometimes led to surgery and that comes with risks.
"15 percent of the women who had surgery had a significant complication from the surgery," said Dr. Saundra Buys.
The study leaders say it's important for women to not ignore possible signs of ovarian cancer, such as abdominal pressure or bloating, a change in bowel or bladder habits and lower back pain.