Predictive Value of Symptom Index for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Objective: Although symptom-based screening has a positive role in identifying women at risk, it’s yet to be validated as screening tool. The present study aimed to validate the ovarian cancer symptom index in Pakistani population. Methods: From June 2019-December 2020, presenting symptoms were prospectively recorded in patients with ovarian cancer (n=70) and benign ovarian tumor (n=140) using Goff’s questionnaire. Results: Symptoms such as unable to eat normally, feeling full quickly, weight loss, increased abdomen size and postmenopausal bleeding were reported more frequently among the cancer group (p<0.05). Symptoms including feeling full quickly, increased abdominal size and patients' age were independent predictors of cancer. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, of symptom index were found to be 31.43%, 79.29%, 43.13%, and 69.81%, respectively. Conclusion: This study confirms that specific symptoms were useful in diagnosing women with ovarian cancer. Low sensitivity and specificity of the symptom index limit its use as an independent screening method. Nonetheless, with further validation it can be included for screening in clinical settings. Keywords: ovarian cancer, symptom index, diagnosis, predictive value