Ovarian Cancer Awareness Research Articles

Awareness of symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer in a population of women and healthcare providers.

Awareness of ovarian cancer among women and healthcare providers is understudied. An early awareness of ovarian cancer may lead to early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of that awareness among a sample of women and providers. Written surveys were developed by the authors based on available literature and were administered to women (n = 857) and healthcare providers (n = 188) attending or volunteering at a community health fair. Chi-square tests for independence and z tests were used for analysis. Healthcare providers were significantly more likely to identify the symptoms and risk factors for ovarian cancer. Forty percent of women reported being at least slightly familiar with the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Women who were familiar with symptoms were significantly more likely to identify symptoms and risk factors correctly and to report symptoms immediately to a provider. Identification of symptoms among healthcare providers ranged from 59%-93%. Identification of ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors is poor among women, and knowledge deficits are present in providers. Increasing familiarity and awareness could lead to improvements in early diagnosis.

Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness and Its Response among Female Health Workers

Objectives: To determine the level of awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and help-seeking responses of female health workers. Methods: Four hundred and fifty seven female health workers were randomly selected and made to complete a structured proforma adapted from the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Measure (Ovarian CAM), which is a site-specific version of the generic Cancer Awareness Measure. Questions were asked on level of awareness of ovarian cancer early symptoms, anticipated time and the barriers to help-seeking responses. Results: Out of 457 clients, 211 (46.2%) were able to recall at least one warning symptom of ovarian cancer while 20 (4.4%) were able to recall more than 3 warning symptoms. On the other end, when presented with a list of warning symptoms of ovarian cancer, identification ranged from 33.7-72.0% for the symptoms. As high as 28.0% could not identify any of the listed warning

Awareness of Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer among Gynecology Nurses in a Large Teaching Hospital in the UK (Awareness of Ovarian Cancer among Gynecology Nurses)

Background: The overall mortality of ovarian cancer is high because of its late presentation, with over 80% of patients presenting with advanced disease largely due to the vague symptoms in its early stages. Ninety percent of those diagnosed with early stage ovarian cancer were symptomatic before diagnosis. It is therefore important that women are aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer as early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment, and because nurses play an important helping role which is useful in public education and awareness, they should be aware of the red flags of ovarian cancer. Objectives: To evaluate how well informed Gynecology nurses are about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among 60 Gynecology nurses of the Royal Derby Hospital, UK between April and July 2014. Conclusion: Fifty-three percent of the respondents had good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Significantly more nurses working with inpatients (63%) had better knowledge than those working in the outpatient (40%), and only 20 of the 60 respondents had good knowledge of the risk factors for ovarian cancer. More knowledge of the red flags of ovarian cancer is needed among the Gynecology nurses and these can be done through various educational programs.

Awareness of symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer in a population of women and health care providers

Objectives: Despite ovarian cancer awareness campaigns, awareness among women and health care providers is understudied and likely poor. The objective of this study was to determine the level of awareness among a sample of women and providers and compare these two populations.

A Pap test does not screen for everything: nurse practitioner knowledge of ovarian cancer.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in a prime position to educate women about initial signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer (OC) and perform appropriate screening tests. However, little is known about NPs knowledge regarding OC. This article's purpose is to present the outcomes of a focused OC awareness program for NP students. NP students (N = 104) participated in this longitudinal one group pre-post study. Knowledge was calculated based on the number of correct answers for a total knowledge score and subscales related to OC incidence, risk, screening, symptoms, and treatment. An item related to the effectiveness of the Pap test to screen for OC was evaluated separately. Knowledge deficits continue to exist related to OC, emphasizing the need for NPs to be aware of risk factors, symptoms, and early detection options for women with average risk. Many NP students erroneously believed a Pap test was an effective screening tool for OC. Many NPs are inadequately prepared to assess risk, detect early symptoms, and perform screening tests for OC. Continuing education and reinforcement about OC is essential if NPs are to provide appropriate education to clients and detect this deadly disease as early as possible.

Ovarian cancer symptom awareness and anticipated delayed presentation in a population sample

BackgroundWhile ovarian cancer is recognised as having identifiable early symptoms, understanding of the key determinants of symptom awareness and early presentation is limited. A population-based survey of ovarian cancer awareness and anticipated delayed presentation with symptoms was conducted as part of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP).MethodsWomen aged over 50 years were recruited using random probability sampling (n = 1043). Computer-assisted telephone interviews were used to administer measures including ovarian cancer symptom recognition, anticipated time to presentation with ovarian symptoms, health beliefs (perceived risk, perceived benefits/barriers to early presentation, confidence in symptom detection, ovarian cancer worry), and demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the contribution of independent variables to anticipated presentation (categorised as < 3 weeks or ≥ 3 weeks).ResultsThe most well-recognised symptoms of ovarian cancer were post-menopausal bleeding (87.4%), and persistent pelvic (79.0%) and abdominal (85.0%) pain. Symptoms associated with eating difficulties and changes in bladder/bowel habits were recognised by less than half the sample. Lower symptom awareness was significantly associated with older age (p ≤ 0.001), being single (p ≤ 0.001), lower education (p ≤ 0.01), and lack of personal experience of ovarian cancer (p ≤ 0.01). The odds of anticipating a delay in time to presentation of ≥ 3 weeks were significantly increased in women educated to degree level (OR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.61 – 4.33, p ≤ 0.001), women who reported more practical barriers (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.34 – 1.91, p ≤ 0.001) and more emotional barriers (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.06 – 1.40, p ≤ 0.01), and those less confident in symptom detection (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.42 – 0.73, p ≤ 0.001), but not in those who reported lower symptom awareness (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.91 – 1.07, p = 0.74).ConclusionsMany symptoms of ovarian cancer are not well-recognised by women in the general population. Evidence-based interventions are needed not only to improve public awareness but also to overcome the barriers to recognising and acting on ovarian symptoms, if delays in presentation are to be minimised.

Editorial introductions

Editorial introductions

Ovarian cancer symptom awareness and anticipated time to help-seeking for symptoms among UK women

ObjectivesTo determine levels of awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and to identify barriers to help-seeking and predictors of a longer time to help-seeking in a UK female population-based sample.MethodsA UK...

Assessing Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Knowledge of Ovarian Cancer

NURSES ARE IN A PRIME POSITION TO EDUCATE CLIENTS ABOUT HEALTH PROMOTION, SPECIFICALLY, CANCER RISK, PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS, AND EARLY DETECTION. However, cancer education in undergraduate nursing programs is often spread out among many courses and focused on the most common cancers (breast, lung, colon, and prostate). Cancers that affect a small number of individuals, such as ovarian cancer, may be overlooked.While early symptoms of ovarian cancer are recognized (Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, 2007), few health care professionals and lay people are aware of these symptoms (Lockwood- Rayermann, Donovan, Rambo, & Kuo, 2009). Eighty-five percent of women are diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease, contributing to its ranking as the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths for women (American Cancer Society, 2012). This article reports on the outcomes of a focused ovarian cancer awareness program for nursing students.Literature Review Studies of nursing students' knowledge of cancer are descriptive but show a knowledge deficit of early symptoms, cancer-related side effects and management (Frerichs & Varricchio, 1988), and pain management (Sheehan, Webb, Bower, & Einsporn, 1992). Recent studies have included educational interventions to improve knowledge about cancer pain (Wilkes, Lasch, Lee, Greenhill, & Chiri, 2003), skin cancer prevention (Siegel, 2010), and ovarian cancer (Fitch, McAndrew, Turner, Ross, & Pison, 2011). While all of these studies demonstrated that cancer knowledge can be improved with education, Fitch and colleagues reported that deficits still remained regarding symptoms and screening tests for ovarian cancer. Researchers did not examine long-term knowledge retention.Nurses Educational Initiative The Nurses Educational Initiative (NEI) is an educational program that expands on the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance's Survivors Teaching Students Program (2012). The NEI is a two-part interactive program involving faculty, students, and cancer survivors. Part 1 consists of an evidence-based lecture regarding ovarian cancer incidence, risk factors, screening guidelines, and symptoms; particular emphasis is placed on a Pap test not being an effective screening tool for ovarian cancer. To enhance the impact of the program, Part 2 consists of a presentation by one or more women who discuss their personal experiences with ovarian cancer. A question and answer period follows.Method A descriptive, one-gro up pre- and posttest design was used to examine the effectiveness of the NEI on baccalaureate nursing students' knowledge about ovarian cancer. Institutional review board approval was obtained prior to the start of the study. Students (N = 220) at a large state university in Florida participated at all three data collection time points. Data concerning knowledge were collected immediately prior to (Time 1) and immediately after the NEI (Time 2). Long-term knowledge retention was collected before graduation, 18 months after the NEI (Time 3). An investigator-developed instrument that directly reflected the evidence- based content presented during the NEI was used.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, and paired t-tests using SPSS® version 18. Bonferroni's corrections were used, bringing the significance level to 0.017 (.05/3). Knowledge was measured by summing the number of correct answers on each survey. Answers were coded as: 0 = no, 1 = yes, with yes indicating the correct answer. The highest possible scores for each category are: total knowledge (19), incidence (1), risk (6), screening (2), symptoms (9), and most effective surgeon (1).Results Changes at all three time points were noted for overall knowledge and knowledge of risk, screening, and symptoms. For overall knowledge, mean baseline scores increased from 11.8 to 15.03 points at Time 2, but decreased to 12.74 points at Time 3. Mean risk scores were: baseline, 4.13 points; Time 2, 5. …

Ovarian cancer in Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya: Characteristics and management

Background: Ovarian cancer is the third commonest cause of cancer death from gynaecologic tumors in Kenya. Early disease causes minimal, nonspecific, or no symptoms therefore, most patients are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. Overall, prognosis for these patients remains poor but has not been described in Kenya. Objectives: To describe the histological types, therapeutic methods used, therapeutic outcome and the survival rate at 2 years. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study undertaking a 10-year review of case records of patients treated for cancer of the ovary between 1998 and 2008 in Kenyatta National Hospital. Results: Majority of the patients (73.3%) presented with advanced stage of disease (stages III & IV). Epithelial tumors (86.2%) are the commonest histological type, with 45.7% of them being serous type. Chemotherapy was the most (46.0%) used therapeutic option, with vomiting and diarrhea being the leading morbidity associated with it. Survival at 2 yrs from diagnosis was 50% as per the Kaplan-Meier time survival estimate. Conclusion: There is need to improve the quality of data on cancer care and information systems in general to provide a reliable source of information to guide research and policy in oncology. Further, the late presentation to hospital calls for innovative strategies to improve ovarian cancer awareness and uptake of screening tests. There is need to lobby Governments in resource limited setting to subsidize cancer of the ovary care and invest in lower level health facilities to promote early diagnosis and decongest the referral hospital.

Help boost awareness of ovarian cancer

Help boost awareness of ovarian cancer

Abstract LB-45: Real people- real stories: survivors teaching students

Abstract The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington is a proud partner member of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA). We actively bring the OCNA's program Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women's Lives to the local level. Since 2002, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has been working to save the lives of women by helping healthcare practitioners learn to diagnose ovarian cancer earlier. Through OCNA's innovative educational program future healthcare professionals-physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and physician assistants increase their understanding of ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors so that they will be able to diagnose the disease when it is in its earlier, most treatable stages. Survivors Teaching Students brings ovarian cancer survivors into health professionals’ classrooms to share their stories and key information about the disease. At the local level, we also speak to pharmacy and naturopath students. Based on students’ evaluations we are accomplishing our goal of increasing awareness of this deadly cancer. Our local organization's mission is to promote awareness of ovarian cancer and to provide education to women and the health care community; to offer support to all ovarian cancer survivors by providing opportunities for networking, education and community outreach; and to advocate for public policy and funding for ovarian cancer research. In addition to the Survivors Teaching Students program, we are active in community health fairs/events, and have a presence in local Gynecological Cancer Support Groups. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-45. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-45

Abstract LB-41: Raising awareness of ovarian cancer: a rare disease with no screening test

Abstract Approximately 21,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually. Although a relatively rare disease, it is extremely difficult to detect as there is no screening test available. There are symptoms even in early stages which are dismissed by patients as not being serious and often initially being attributed to benign causes by health professional not aware of the symptom complex associated with ovarian cancer. Awareness is the only tool currently available to help improve detection. Lilies of the Valley, an ovarian cancer support and awareness group in Huntsville, Alabama, has as its mission to educate, raise awareness and disseminate information about ovarian cancer to ovarian cancer patients and survivors, the general public and the medical community in the Tennessee Valley region. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has its mission to remain objective in providing information to the ovarian cancer community; it does not endorse any particular treatment, therapy, clinical trial or product. These two organizations raise awareness through two very unique and innovative programs, TEAL Talks and the Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women's Lives. This poster examines the roles of these organizations and these programs in improving early detection of ovarian cancer through patient and health professional awareness. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-41. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-41

Awareness of ovarian cancer risk factors, beliefs and attitudes towards screening: baseline survey of 21 715 women participating in the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening

Background:Women's awareness of ovarian cancer (OC) risks, their attitudes towards and beliefs about screening, together with misunderstandings or gaps in knowledge, may influence screening uptake.Methods:In total, 21 715 post-menopausal women completed questionnaires before randomisation into the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening.Results:In all, 42.3% correctly identified their lifetime risk of OC; 87.1% knew that a family history of OC increased risk, but only 26.7% appreciated the association with a family history of breast cancer. Although 38.2% acknowledged increased risk post-menopause, only 8.8% were aware that OC diagnoses are highest in women over 65 years. Few (13.7%) recognised the association between pregnancy and reduced OC risk or protective effects of breastfeeding (6.2%). There were common misconceptions; 37.2% thought that an abnormal cervical smear and 26.4% that oral contraception increased the likelihood of OC. Although 84.4% recognised that most ovarian masses are benign, 20.2% thought having had a benign cyst increased OC risk. Most (99.4%) believed that a high uptake of OC screening would reduce mortality and (96.2%) that screen-detected cancers would have an improved prognosis.Conclusions:The results show a need for improved public understanding about OC risks and provide important information for GPs and health educationalists about initiatives needed for future awareness, prevention and screening programmes.

News &amp; Notes

AbstractVaccine prolongs prostate cancer survivalImmunisation with Prostvac vaccine prolonged overall survival in advanced prostate cancer by 8.5 months compared with placebo, a phase II trial has shown.Prostvac, a recombinant viral vaccine against prostate‐specific antigen and associated co‐stimulatory molecules, is being developed jointly by Bavarian Nordic and the US National Cancer Institute. Administered as a course of seven monthly subcutaneous injections, it has been shown to increase median overall survival from 16.6 months with placebo to 25.1 months after four years' follow‐up in 125 men with advanced prostate cancer. Bavarian Nordic says the tolerability profile is good, with local injection site reactions accounting for most adverse events.Breast cancer specialists not auditing NICE adherenceMost UK breast cancer specialists believe their units follow NICE guidance on treatment, but only 21 per cent have checked by auditing their practice. Further, 23 per cent do not have, or are unaware of, systems for recalling women treated with tamoxifen for reassessment after 2‐3 years. A quarter do not provide junior medical staff with a copy of treatment guidelines.The findings come from a survey of 100 breast cancer specialists presented at the National Cancer Research Institute Conference in Birmingham in October 2008. The authors concluded there is a clear need for a simple standardised system, in addition to normal clinical follow‐up, that would ensure timely recall of women on tamoxifen to review their treatment plans.Ovarian cancer statement raises awarenessClinicians, patients' representatives and policy makers have published a consensus statement designed to improve the diagnosis of ovarian cancer by raising awareness of its symptoms.Public awareness of ovarian cancer is low and patients often follow a convoluted care pathway because GPs fail to recognise the presenting symptoms. Although these are not specific, the statement emphasises that the persistence, frequency and severity of new‐onset pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size/persistent bloating, and difficulty eating and feeling full should alert doctors to the diagnosis.Copies of the statement can be downloaded at www.eveappeal.org.uk/consensus.HIV testing should be routineHIV testing should be a routine part of diagnosis for all health professionals in secondary care, according to a new guide.It is estimated that a third of HIV cases are undiagnosed and one‐third of diagnoses are late. Delayed diagnosis is believed to account for 35 per cent of HIV‐related deaths. The new guide, HIV for non‐HIV Specialists: Diagnosing the Undiagnosed, produced by the Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health (MedFASH) with funding from the Department of Health, provides practical help and advice for non‐specialists to help them consider the possibility of HIV infection in their differential diagnosis. The recommendations complement new national guidelines on HIV testing.MedFASH is a charity supported by the British Medical Association. The booklet can be downloaded at www.medfash.org.uk.OTC gel for bacterial vaginosisA new topical treatment for bacterial vaginosis is now available without prescription. Balance Activ Vaginal Gel contains lactic acid and glycogen; manufacturer Inverness Medical says this restores normal vaginal pH and promotes growth of lactobacilli. Further details are available at www.balanceactiv.com. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd

Being aware of ovarian cancer

March is ovarian cancer awareness month. Julie Winning examines the role of primary care in managing this disease.

Awareness and concern about ovarian cancer among women at risk because of a family history of breast or ovarian cancer

Research on women at risk for breast cancer because of family history suggests that a substantial proportion need education and counseling to assist them in their efforts to understand their risk of breast cancer and that some do not get appropriate breast cancer screening. Although women at high genetic risk for breast cancer are at elevated risk for ovarian cancer as well, few studies have examined these women's needs for education and counseling about ovarian cancer risk. This study examined awareness of ovarian cancer, perceived risk of breast and ovarian cancer, interest in genetic testing, and use of screening for breast and ovarian cancer in a population-based sample of women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer because of a strong family history of cancer at one or both sites. We found that most high-risk women are not getting the information and care they need with respect to their risk for ovarian cancer. Almost 75% have not heard much about their risk for ovarian cancer. More than 90% failed to use 1 or another of 2 possible tests used for ovarian cancer screening regularly.

Awareness and concern about ovarian cancer among women at risk because of a family history of breast or ovarian cancer

Research on women at risk for breast cancer because of family history suggests that a substantial proportion need education and counseling to assist them in their efforts to understand their risk of breast cancer and that some do not get appropriate breast cancer screening. Although women at high genetic risk for breast cancer are at elevated risk for ovarian cancer as well, few studies have examined these women's needs for education and counseling about ovarian cancer risk. This study examined awareness of ovarian cancer, perceived risk of breast and ovarian cancer, interest in genetic testing, and use of screening for breast and ovarian cancer in a population-based sample of women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer because of a strong family history of cancer at one or both sites. We found that most high-risk women are not getting the information and care they need with respect to their risk for ovarian cancer. Almost 75% have not heard much about their risk for ovarian cancer. More than 90% failed to use 1 or another of 2 possible tests used for ovarian cancer screening regularly.