Ovarian cancer strategies for nurse practitioners.

Abstract

To review and outline practical strategies for the effective detection and prevention of ovarian cancer. Selected scientific literature, government consensus findings, and the author's experience. Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in American women, ranking behind lung, breast, and colorectal cancer. Seventy-five percent of ovarian cancers are currently diagnosed at an advanced stage. No cost-effective screening methods are currently available. The battle to beat ovarian cancer is based on four strategies: identification of risk factors, appropriate screening methods, early detection, and prevention.