Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Discusses late detection of ovarian cancer. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer most pronounced 2 – 3 months before diagnosis.
CINAHL
AN: 2009684492 NLM Unique Identifier: 17903074.
Wynn ML. Chang S. Peipins LA.
Temporal Patterns of Conditions and Symptoms Potentially Associated with Ovarian Cancer.
Journal of Women's Health (15409996). 2007 Sep; 16(7): 971-86. (20 ref)
In this study stage I and II ovarian cancers are associated with symptoms, although few symptoms are directly related to the reproductive pelvic organs or unique to ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2005116503
Yawn BP. Barrette BA. Wollan PC.
Ovarian cancer: the neglected diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 79(10):1277-82, 2004 Oct.
Full text via ProQuest
A prospective case-control survey (N = 1709) of women in primary care clinics and women with pelvic masses. This study concluded: “Symptoms that are more severe or frequent than expected and of recent onset warrant further diagnostic investigation because they are more likely to be associated with both benign and malignant ovarian masses.”
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15187051
Goff BA. Mandel LS. Melancon CH. Muntz HG.
Frequency of symptoms of ovarian cancer in women presenting to primary care clinics.
JAMA. 291(22):2705-12, 2004 Jun 9.
Full text available via ProQuest
Evaluation of preoperative symptoms and factors that may contribute to delayed diagnosis for women with ovarian carcinoma. In this national survey, it was concluded that the majority of women with ovarian carcinoma are symptomatic and frequently have delays in diagnosis.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 11066047
Goff BA. Mandel L. Muntz HG. Melancon CH.
Ovarian carcinoma diagnosis.
Cancer. 89(10):2068-75, 2000 Nov 15.
Foundational Canadian study indicates need for research regarding the early identification of ovarian cancer and issues of support and coping in the course of the disease trajectory.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 1999053051
Fitch MI. Gray RE. DePetrillo D. Franssen E. Howell D.
Canadian women's perspectives on ovarian cancer.
Cancer Prevention & Control. 3(1):52-60, 1999 Feb.
About Ovarian Cancer
For information about ovarian cancer
Ovarian Cancer Canada
Informative site (US) with links to many aspects of ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
National Cancer Institute (US)
This is Gilda Radner’s personal account of her struggle with ovarian cancer and her attempt to keep an optimistic attitude during her illness.
Radner G.
It's Always Something
Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
ISBN: 038081322X
Included with medical information are excerpts from Gilda Radner's book, It's Always Something, written when she was under treatment.
Piver S.
Gilda's Disease: Sharing Personal Experiences and a Medical Perspective on Ovarian Cancer
Publisher: Broadway
ISBN: 076790138X
Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Resources and programs for women with ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Canada
Clinical Practice Guidelines for health professionals
Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada
For health professionals, informative provincial cancer care site. Treatment guidelines and chemotherapy protocols
BC Cancer Agency
For health professionals, treatment information about epithelial ovarian cancer.
National Cancer Institute
Patient and health professional versions of US treatment guidelines for ovarian cancer.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Information for living with ovarian cancer.
The Wellness Community
Participation in support groups for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer offers an opportunity to share experiences and exchange information.
CINAHL
AN: 2009223270 NLM Unique Identifier: 16858448
Ahlberg K. Nordner A.
The importance of participation in support groups for women with ovarian cancer.
Oncology Nursing Forum. 2006 Jul; 33(4)
Study about the impact on quality of life and support in the lives of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
AN: 2009059356.
Ferrell B. Cullinane CA. Ervin K. Melancon C. Uman GC. Juarez G.
Perspectives on the impact of ovarian cancer: women's views of quality of life. Oncology Nursing Forum. 2005 Nov; 32(6): 1143-9. (19 ref)
Perceived control and self-esteem may be associated with psychological distress in women with ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2005117882
Norton TR. Manne SL. Rubin S. Hernandez E. Carlson J. Bergman C. Rosenblum N.
Ovarian cancer patients' psychological distress: the role of physical impairment, perceived unsupportive family and friend behaviors, perceived control, and self-esteem.
Health Psychology. 24(2):143-52, 2005 Mar.
Besides causing many changes in a woman’s daily life, ovarian cancer is a major challenge and support is needed to help meet it.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003067298
Howell D. Fitch MI. Deane KA.
Impact of ovarian cancer perceived by women.
Cancer Nursing. 26(1):1-9, 2003 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Treatment plans, decision-making about treatment and side effects are challenges for women with ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003107011
Fitch MI. Deane K. Howell D.
Living with ovarian cancer: women's perspectives on treatment and treatment decision-making.
Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal. 13(1):8-13, 2003 Winter.
Canadian survey on the impact of ovarian cancer on women’s lives.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2000075001
Fitch MI. Gray RE. Franssen E.
Women's perspectives regarding the impact of ovarian cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 23(5):359-66, 2000 Oct.
Full text via Ovid
Understanding and coping with premature menopause as a result of cancer treatment is part of the total cancer experience and can be a significant problem for younger women.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2000031089
Davis CS. Zinkand ZE. Fitch MI.
Cancer treatment-induced menopause: meaning for breast and gynecological cancer survivors.
Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal. 10(1):14-21, 2000 Winter.
Side Effects of Treatment
Discusses side effects of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, etc. These have an impact on the quality of life.
CINAHL
AN: 2009211308 NLM Unique Identifier: 16493256.
Kayl AE. Meyers CA. Side-effects of chemotherapy and quality of life in ovarian and breast cancer patients.
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006 Feb; 18(1): 24-8.
Nursing care and patient education can help cancer patients minimize side effects.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004204449.
Nagel T.
Help patients cope with chemo.
RN. 2004 Oct; 67(10): 25-31, 2p.
The most frequently observed symptoms following chemotherapy were neurosensory loss, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, and alopecia. These can profoundly affect the quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2005107947
Butler L. Bacon M. Carey M. Zee B. Tu D. Bezjak A.
Determining the relationship between toxicity and quality of life in an ovarian cancer chemotherapy clinical trial.
Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2004 Jun 15; 22(12): 2461-8.
Adverse drug reactions are common in hospitalized oncology patients, are predictable and probably preventable in many instances.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15064936
Lau PM. Stewart K. Dooley M.
The ten most common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in oncology patients: do they matter to you?
Supportive Care in Cancer. 12(9):626-33, 2004 Sep.
Differing perceptions about alopecia. Women are likely to experience it as confrontation with the lethal nature of cancer; men may regard it as a normal, inevitable result of treatment
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004189776
Rosman S.
Cancer and stigma: experience of patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
Patient Education and Counseling. 2004 Mar; 52(3): 333-9.
Knowledge of side effects and their dose/schedule relationships enables proactive interventions to limit side effect progression.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003134414.
Edwards SJ.
Prevention and treatment of adverse effects related to chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.
Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 19(3): Suppl 1:19-39, 55-8, 2003 Aug.
Different chemotherapy options vary in their toxicity profiles.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004044187.
Rose PG.
Chemotherapy for newly diagnosed and relapsed advanced ovarian cancer.
Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 2003 Nov; 19(4): Suppl 2: 25-35.
Alopecia, a sometimes disturbing side effect of treatment, can affect a woman’s self-esteem, body image, and quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2002115301
McGarvey EL. Baum LD. Pinkerton RC. Rogers LM.
Psychological sequelae and alopecia among women with cancer.
Cancer Practice: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Cancer Care. 9(6):283-9, 2001 Nov-Dec.
This study found differing perceptions between nurses and patients on the intensity of physical and psychosocial stressors.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2000075003
Parsaie FA. Golchin M. Asvadi I.
A comparison of nurse and patient perceptions of chemotherapy treatment stressors.
Cancer Nursing. (5):371-4, 2000 Oct; 23.
Full text via Ovid
Look Good Feel BetterTM is a national public-service program dedicated to helping women with cancer manage the appearance-related effects of cancer and its treatment.
Look Good Feel Better
Recurrence
Nurses can help improve the quality of life for women with recurrent ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003134416
Fitch MI.
Psychosocial management of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer: treating the whole patient to improve quality of life.
Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 2003 Aug; 19(3): Suppl 1: 40-53, 55-8.
Four primary themes emerged from the analysis: waiting for recurrence, facing diagnosis of recurrence, treatment-related concerns, and trying regaining control.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003067302
Howell D. Fitch MI. Deane KA.
Women's experiences with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 26(1):10-7, 2003 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Women with gynecologic cancer have been found to use CAM in addition to standard medical therapy. Benefits may include improved psychosocial well-being.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 11855870
Swisher EM. Cohn DE. Goff BA. Parham J. Herzog TJ. Rader JS. Mutch DG.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine among women with gynecologic cancers.
Gynecologic Oncology. 84(3):363-7, 2002 Mar.
Cancer patients use a range of complementary and alternative therapies. While some of these therapies are well researched, others are not.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 1999041655
Cassileth BR.
Complementary therapies: overview and state of the art.
Cancer Nursing. 22(1):85-90, 1999 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Comprehensive listing of complementary and alternative therapies.
BC Cancer Agency
Based in Vancouver, InspireHealth is a physician-led integrated cancer care centre with an innovative cancer care model.
Inspire Health
Naturopathic doctors use natural, non-toxic therapies. The aim of naturopathy is to support the whole person and stimulate inherent healing processes.
The Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Clinical Trials
Information for patients. Informative downloadable booklet, Clinical Trials What you need to know: A guide for people with cancer
Canadian Cancer Society
On this site is the capability to search for a clinical trial by cancer type, province, drug, key word or phrase or to do an advanced search using other selected options.
Canadian Cancer Trials
The National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group is a cooperative oncology group which carries out clinical trials in cancer therapy, supportive care and prevention across Canada and internationally
National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group
US web site for patients and health professionals with links to many aspects of clinical trials.
National Cancer Institute
Ovarian Cancer Genetics
For health professionals.
Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian Cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Canadian hereditary breast and ovarian cancer organization whose mission includes action, awareness and research.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Foundation
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer organization provides education and support to individuals, families and communities.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Society (Alberta)
US site for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer which works to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
FORCE
Genetic Counsellors
Canada increases public awareness of the genetic counselling profession in Canada.
Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors
Discusses late detection of ovarian cancer. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer most pronounced 2 – 3 months before diagnosis.
CINAHL
AN: 2009684492 NLM Unique Identifier: 17903074.
Wynn ML. Chang S. Peipins LA.
Temporal Patterns of Conditions and Symptoms Potentially Associated with Ovarian Cancer.
Journal of Women's Health (15409996). 2007 Sep; 16(7): 971-86. (20 ref)
For information about ovarian cancer
Ovarian Cancer Canada
Resources and programs for women with ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Canada
Discusses side effects of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, etc. These have an impact on the quality of life.
CINAHL
AN: 2009211308 NLM Unique Identifier: 16493256.
Kayl AE. Meyers CA. Side-effects of chemotherapy and quality of life in ovarian and breast cancer patients.
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006 Feb; 18(1): 24-8.
Women with gynecologic cancer have been found to use CAM in addition to standard medical therapy. Benefits may include improved psychosocial well-being.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 11855870
Swisher EM. Cohn DE. Goff BA. Parham J. Herzog TJ. Rader JS. Mutch DG.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine among women with gynecologic cancers.
Gynecologic Oncology. 84(3):363-7, 2002 Mar.
Information for patients. Informative downloadable booklet, Clinical Trials What you need to know: A guide for people with cancer
Canadian Cancer Society
For health professionals.
Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian Cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Nurses can help improve the quality of life for women with recurrent ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003134416
Fitch MI.
Psychosocial management of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer: treating the whole patient to improve quality of life.
Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 2003 Aug; 19(3): Suppl 1: 40-53, 55-8.
Four primary themes emerged from the analysis: waiting for recurrence, facing diagnosis of recurrence, treatment-related concerns, and trying regaining control.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003067302
Howell D. Fitch MI. Deane KA.
Women's experiences with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 26(1):10-7, 2003 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Canadian hereditary breast and ovarian cancer organization whose mission includes action, awareness and research.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Foundation
On this site is the capability to search for a clinical trial by cancer type, province, drug, key word or phrase or to do an advanced search using other selected options.
Canadian Cancer Trials
Cancer patients use a range of complementary and alternative therapies. While some of these therapies are well researched, others are not.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 1999041655
Cassileth BR.
Complementary therapies: overview and state of the art.
Cancer Nursing. 22(1):85-90, 1999 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Nursing care and patient education can help cancer patients minimize side effects.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004204449.
Nagel T.
Help patients cope with chemo.
RN. 2004 Oct; 67(10): 25-31, 2p.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for health professionals
Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada
Informative site (US) with links to many aspects of ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
National Cancer Institute (US)
In this study stage I and II ovarian cancers are associated with symptoms, although few symptoms are directly related to the reproductive pelvic organs or unique to ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2005116503
Yawn BP. Barrette BA. Wollan PC.
Ovarian cancer: the neglected diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 79(10):1277-82, 2004 Oct.
Full text via ProQuest
A prospective case-control survey (N = 1709) of women in primary care clinics and women with pelvic masses. This study concluded: “Symptoms that are more severe or frequent than expected and of recent onset warrant further diagnostic investigation because they are more likely to be associated with both benign and malignant ovarian masses.”
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15187051
Goff BA. Mandel LS. Melancon CH. Muntz HG.
Frequency of symptoms of ovarian cancer in women presenting to primary care clinics.
JAMA. 291(22):2705-12, 2004 Jun 9.
Full text available via ProQuest
This is Gilda Radner’s personal account of her struggle with ovarian cancer and her attempt to keep an optimistic attitude during her illness.
Radner G.
It's Always Something
Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
ISBN: 038081322X
For health professionals, informative provincial cancer care site. Treatment guidelines and chemotherapy protocols
BC Cancer Agency
The most frequently observed symptoms following chemotherapy were neurosensory loss, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, and alopecia. These can profoundly affect the quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2005107947
Butler L. Bacon M. Carey M. Zee B. Tu D. Bezjak A.
Determining the relationship between toxicity and quality of life in an ovarian cancer chemotherapy clinical trial.
Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2004 Jun 15; 22(12): 2461-8.
Comprehensive listing of complementary and alternative therapies.
BC Cancer Agency
The National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group is a cooperative oncology group which carries out clinical trials in cancer therapy, supportive care and prevention across Canada and internationally
National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer organization provides education and support to individuals, families and communities.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Society (Alberta)
US site for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer which works to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
FORCE
US web site for patients and health professionals with links to many aspects of clinical trials.
National Cancer Institute
Based in Vancouver, InspireHealth is a physician-led integrated cancer care centre with an innovative cancer care model.
Inspire Health
Adverse drug reactions are common in hospitalized oncology patients, are predictable and probably preventable in many instances.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15064936
Lau PM. Stewart K. Dooley M.
The ten most common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in oncology patients: do they matter to you?
Supportive Care in Cancer. 12(9):626-33, 2004 Sep.
For health professionals, treatment information about epithelial ovarian cancer.
National Cancer Institute
Included with medical information are excerpts from Gilda Radner's book, It's Always Something, written when she was under treatment.
Piver S.
Gilda's Disease: Sharing Personal Experiences and a Medical Perspective on Ovarian Cancer
Publisher: Broadway
ISBN: 076790138X
Evaluation of preoperative symptoms and factors that may contribute to delayed diagnosis for women with ovarian carcinoma. In this national survey, it was concluded that the majority of women with ovarian carcinoma are symptomatic and frequently have delays in diagnosis.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 11066047
Goff BA. Mandel L. Muntz HG. Melancon CH.
Ovarian carcinoma diagnosis.
Cancer. 89(10):2068-75, 2000 Nov 15.
Foundational Canadian study indicates need for research regarding the early identification of ovarian cancer and issues of support and coping in the course of the disease trajectory.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 1999053051
Fitch MI. Gray RE. DePetrillo D. Franssen E. Howell D.
Canadian women's perspectives on ovarian cancer.
Cancer Prevention & Control. 3(1):52-60, 1999 Feb.
Patient and health professional versions of US treatment guidelines for ovarian cancer.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Differing perceptions about alopecia. Women are likely to experience it as confrontation with the lethal nature of cancer; men may regard it as a normal, inevitable result of treatment
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004189776
Rosman S.
Cancer and stigma: experience of patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
Patient Education and Counseling. 2004 Mar; 52(3): 333-9.
Naturopathic doctors use natural, non-toxic therapies. The aim of naturopathy is to support the whole person and stimulate inherent healing processes.
The Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Genetic Counsellors
Canada increases public awareness of the genetic counselling profession in Canada.
Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors
Knowledge of side effects and their dose/schedule relationships enables proactive interventions to limit side effect progression.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003134414.
Edwards SJ.
Prevention and treatment of adverse effects related to chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.
Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 19(3): Suppl 1:19-39, 55-8, 2003 Aug.
Information for living with ovarian cancer.
The Wellness Community
Participation in support groups for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer offers an opportunity to share experiences and exchange information.
CINAHL
AN: 2009223270 NLM Unique Identifier: 16858448
Ahlberg K. Nordner A.
The importance of participation in support groups for women with ovarian cancer.
Oncology Nursing Forum. 2006 Jul; 33(4)
Different chemotherapy options vary in their toxicity profiles.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004044187.
Rose PG.
Chemotherapy for newly diagnosed and relapsed advanced ovarian cancer.
Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 2003 Nov; 19(4): Suppl 2: 25-35.
Alopecia, a sometimes disturbing side effect of treatment, can affect a woman’s self-esteem, body image, and quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2002115301
McGarvey EL. Baum LD. Pinkerton RC. Rogers LM.
Psychological sequelae and alopecia among women with cancer.
Cancer Practice: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Cancer Care. 9(6):283-9, 2001 Nov-Dec.
Study about the impact on quality of life and support in the lives of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
AN: 2009059356.
Ferrell B. Cullinane CA. Ervin K. Melancon C. Uman GC. Juarez G.
Perspectives on the impact of ovarian cancer: women's views of quality of life. Oncology Nursing Forum. 2005 Nov; 32(6): 1143-9. (19 ref)
Perceived control and self-esteem may be associated with psychological distress in women with ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2005117882
Norton TR. Manne SL. Rubin S. Hernandez E. Carlson J. Bergman C. Rosenblum N.
Ovarian cancer patients' psychological distress: the role of physical impairment, perceived unsupportive family and friend behaviors, perceived control, and self-esteem.
Health Psychology. 24(2):143-52, 2005 Mar.
This study found differing perceptions between nurses and patients on the intensity of physical and psychosocial stressors.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2000075003
Parsaie FA. Golchin M. Asvadi I.
A comparison of nurse and patient perceptions of chemotherapy treatment stressors.
Cancer Nursing. (5):371-4, 2000 Oct; 23.
Full text via Ovid
Look Good Feel BetterTM is a national public-service program dedicated to helping women with cancer manage the appearance-related effects of cancer and its treatment.
Look Good Feel Better
Besides causing many changes in a woman’s daily life, ovarian cancer is a major challenge and support is needed to help meet it.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003067298
Howell D. Fitch MI. Deane KA.
Impact of ovarian cancer perceived by women.
Cancer Nursing. 26(1):1-9, 2003 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Treatment plans, decision-making about treatment and side effects are challenges for women with ovarian cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003107011
Fitch MI. Deane K. Howell D.
Living with ovarian cancer: women's perspectives on treatment and treatment decision-making.
Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal. 13(1):8-13, 2003 Winter.
Canadian survey on the impact of ovarian cancer on women’s lives.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2000075001
Fitch MI. Gray RE. Franssen E.
Women's perspectives regarding the impact of ovarian cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 23(5):359-66, 2000 Oct.
Full text via Ovid
Understanding and coping with premature menopause as a result of cancer treatment is part of the total cancer experience and can be a significant problem for younger women.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2000031089
Davis CS. Zinkand ZE. Fitch MI.
Cancer treatment-induced menopause: meaning for breast and gynecological cancer survivors.
Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal. 10(1):14-21, 2000 Winter.