Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Consensus Statement

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Consensus Statement

As many of you are aware through stories in the local and national media this
week, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) has released a consensus
statement on ovarian cancer symptoms. The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
led this effort in response to ovarian cancer survivor advocacy groups that
participate in its Allied Support Group.

The consensus statement notes that researchers have documented that the
following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer
than in women in the general population.

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

The consensus statement recommends that women who have these symptoms
almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a
gynecologist who will perform a skillful pelvic exam. If a physician believes there
is a reasonable concern that ovarian cancer may be present, further evaluation
should be performed, including possibly a CA125 and/or pelvic ultrasound. The
hope is that greater awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms will enable more
cases to be diagnosed at an early stage and that this will translate into an
improvement in survival.

After careful consideration, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists endorsed the
ovarian cancer symptoms consensus statement. Although the statement was
championed by advocacy groups, the SGO leadership has a strong sense that
the vast majority of women with ovarian cancer share the concern that their
symptoms did not raise suspicion sooner. Although proof that earlier recognition
of symptoms improves outcomes does not yet exist, there is little to be lost and
much to be potentially gained by increasing awareness of ovarian cancer
symptoms that might lead to earlier medical evaluation and intervention.
Although population screening with CA125 and ultrasound has the potential to
lead to many false-positive results, their use in the evaluation of a symptomatic
woman represents appropriate medical care.

The release of the symptoms consensus statement highlights the close working
relationship that has developed between the ovarian cancer advocacy
community and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and its foundation – the
GCF. We believe that this is a natural reflection of the comprehensive care that
Gynecologic Oncologists provide to women with ovarian cancer – from surgery to
chemotherapy and ongoing follow up. One of the most encouraging aspects of
the articles that have been published in the New York Times and other lay press
in response to the consensus statement is the recommendation that women with
suspected ovarian cancer are best served by referral to a Gynecologic
Oncologist for surgery.

In addition to working for greater recognition of ovarian cancer symptoms, the
ovarian cancer advocacy groups under the umbrella of the GCF have worked
together productively on other issues of mutual concern. This includes
advocating strongly for increased NCI and Department of Defense (DOD) funding
of ovarian cancer research and clinical trials. In addition, the Gynecologic
Cancer Education and Awareness Act (Johanna’s Law) recently was approved
by the US Congress, and will provide funding for projects that aim to increase
awareness of risk factors and symptoms. When these funds are appropriated
and put to work, this likely will provide the opportunity to study further whether
broader recognition of symptoms of ovarian cancer with earlier intervention
improves outcomes.

The SGO and its members should congratulate and salute our partners in the
advocacy community for their incredible dedication to the fight against ovarian
cancer.

Andrew Berchuck, MD
President, Society of Gynecologic Oncologists