Ovarian cancer 'signs' called into doubt
05 February 2010
Key symptoms GPs look for as signs of ovarian cancer may not be linked to the disease, US research suggests.
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, Seattle, interviewed 812 ovarian cancer patients. Results were compared with interviews with 1,313 controls who did not have ovarian cancer.
Positive predictive value of a symptom index and of ovarian cancer symptoms included in a previous consensus statement from the American Cancer Society were assessed - including bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain and difficulty eating.
These symptoms were found less likely in women with early-stage ovarian cancer than late-stage cancer. The estimated positive predictive value of the symptoms was between 0.6 and 1.1 per cent, and less than 0.5 per cent for early-stage disease.
The researchers called for a cautious approach to using the symptoms to prompt extensive medical checks because of their low predictive value.
Additional Information
Latest jobs Jobs web feed
- Salaried/Lead GPs Malling Health Competitive, role dependant, NHS Pension and defence fees reimbursed, Nationwide
- Salaried GP The Practice plc £75-85k FTE +NHS pension, Ely or Leicester
- Regional Clinical Leads The Practice plc Salary £95-105k FTE + NHS pension, Leicester or Sheffield
- Locum GP - HMPS CES Locums £70-75 P/H, South East
- Locum GP - MoD - ASAP to End of September CES Locums £60 P/H Fixed Rate, West Midlands
- Private Locum GP, Required, Essex for July, Ongoing sessions Merco £55 - £60/hour, Essex
Most read
- GPC unveils detailed guidance for GPs on CQC registration
- How CCGs can work with pharma to reduce emergency admissions
- GP urged to audit records to find two million with undiagnosed COPD
- First wave of GPs to receive revalidation date in December
- Government department sessions (where BMA 'Treasury rate' is accepted)
- BMA releases sample pensions ballot paper
Most commented
MIMS Drug Search
Possible searches include drugs (by brand, generic ingredient or drug class), diseases and more.
