Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
The purpose of this article was to provide a comprehensive review of the epidemiological and genetic factors associated with ovarian cancer. A more complete understanding of the determinants of ovarian cancer may lead to the development of better screening and detection methods for this disease. The first section of this article reviews current literature on screening and early detection of ovarian cancer. The second section reviews the epidemiology of ovarian cancer, specifically highlighting the risk factors associated with the development of this disease. The article concludes with a discussion of how oncology nurses can apply this information to improve patient care.
Introduction
Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all female cancers; more than 50% of the 21,650 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die annually of this disease.[1] A more complete understanding of the epidemiological and genetic determinants of ovarian cancer may lead to the development of better screening and detection methods for this disease. The first section of this article reviews current literature on screening and early detection of ovarian cancer. The second section reviews the epidemiology of ovarian cancer, highlighting specific risk factors associated with this disease. The article concludes with a discussion of how oncology nurses can apply this information to improve patient care.
Cancer Nurs. 2009;32(4):281-288. © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Cite this: Epidemiological and Genetic Factors Associated With Ovarian Cancer - Medscape - Jul 01, 2009.
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