Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- About the authors
- Preface
- Introduction to the second edition
- Abbreviations
- 1 Basic epidemiology
- 2 Basic pathology of gynaecological cancer
- 3 Preinvasive disease of the lower genital tract
- 4 Radiological assessment
- 5 Surgical principles
- 6 Role of laparoscopic surgery
- 7 Radiotherapy: principles and applications
- 8 Chemotherapy: principles and applications
- 9 Ovarian cancer standards of care
- 10 Endometrial cancer standards of care
- 11 Cervical cancer standards of care
- 12 Vulval cancer standards of care
- 13 Uncommon gynaecological cancers
- 14 Palliative care
- 15 Emergencies and treatment-related complications in gynaecological oncology
- Appendix 1 FIGO staging of gynaecological cancers
- Index
9 - Ovarian cancer standards of care
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 August 2014
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- About the authors
- Preface
- Introduction to the second edition
- Abbreviations
- 1 Basic epidemiology
- 2 Basic pathology of gynaecological cancer
- 3 Preinvasive disease of the lower genital tract
- 4 Radiological assessment
- 5 Surgical principles
- 6 Role of laparoscopic surgery
- 7 Radiotherapy: principles and applications
- 8 Chemotherapy: principles and applications
- 9 Ovarian cancer standards of care
- 10 Endometrial cancer standards of care
- 11 Cervical cancer standards of care
- 12 Vulval cancer standards of care
- 13 Uncommon gynaecological cancers
- 14 Palliative care
- 15 Emergencies and treatment-related complications in gynaecological oncology
- Appendix 1 FIGO staging of gynaecological cancers
- Index
Summary
Introduction
Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths in women and the leading cause of gynaecological cancer death in Europe, with a lifetime prevalence in the developed world of 1–2%. The incidence increases with age, peaking in the eighth decade, with a median age at diagnosis of 63 years. It is often described as a silent killer but early symptoms of abdominal bloating, urinary frequency, a sensation of fullness and pelvic or abdominal pain are frequently reported. As these symptoms are non-specific, they are often dismissed by both women and healthcare professionals. When ovarian cancer is detected, it is usually at an advanced stage with a poor prognosis. In the UK, ovarian cancer kills 4400 women each year, more women than all of the other gynaecological malignancies combined.
Survival for ovarian cancer patients in the UK has increased over time but the average survival still lags behind the Nordic countries and the USA. Childbearing, breastfeeding and use of the oral contraceptive pill all protect against the development of ovarian cancer. This is thought to be due to a reduced number of ovulatory cycles minimising the damage and repair cycle of the ovarian epithelium. It is likely, therefore, that the increased incidence of ovarian cancer over the past few decades is partly due to reduced parity. Patients with ovarian cancer are best cared for by multidisciplinary teams.
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- Gynaecological Oncology for the MRCOG and Beyond , pp. 115 - 144Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2011