Are symptoms of ovarian cancer evident: A retrospective analysis of claims data to determine prior symptoms to diagnosis.

Abstract

5565 Background: There are no standard of care screening methods for ovarian cancer. Over sixty percent (60%) of ovarian cancer cases are found at Stage III and IV, which ultimately impacts a woman’s survival rate. The purpose of this study is to determine if specific symptoms are evident prior to diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis of health insurance claims between 2008 through 2013 from a commercial payer was performed based on the following eligibility criteria: 1) women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, 2) at the time of diagnosis, 24 years of age or older, 3) enrolled in healthcare plan for a period of 24 months or more prior to diagnosis, and 4) resident in the state of Texas. Symptoms were identified based on ICD-9 diagnosis codes and categorized specific to pain, abdominal and pelvis, digestive, and bladder and were evaluated at minimum of six months prior to diagnosis. ICD9 codes are used for this analysis as the data is limited to years before the change to ICD10. Results: Baseline data of 3,641 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer were identified and were associated with 927,528 claims specific to the symptoms. The age of women diagnosed with cancer ranged between 24 and 88 (mean=52; SD: 0.1833). Nearly 70% of women were treated for one or more symptoms prior to diagnosis. The symptoms women experienced the most were associated with abdomen and pelvis at 60%. Pain, digestive, and bladder ranged between 20% and 30%. Conclusions: This research is intended to further explore whether symptoms are evident in women diagnosed with this disease, and if so, how long and how frequent did the symptoms occur prior to diagnosis. Additionally, a review of combination of symptoms is explored. This research is intended to provide a better understanding of the disease as well as support that women may need to be referred to an oncologist earlier for further evaluation should reoccurring symptoms present.