On-demand | Identifying Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Promoting Early Diagnosis, Treatment and Improved Outcomes Through Rapid Referral

Program Release: November 9, 2020 Expiration Date: November 9, 2022 Estimated time to complete: 60 Minutes There are no prerequisites for participation. Overview In women ages 35-74, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. An estimated one woman in 78 will develop ovarian cancer during her lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 21,750 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2020, and that more than 13,940 women will die from ovarian cancer this year. When a woman is diagnosed and treated in the earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent, Due to ovarian cancer’s nonspecific symptoms and lack of early detection tests, about 15 percent of all cases are early, meaning stage I or II. If detected at stage III or higher, the five-year survival rate can be as low as 28 percent. Historically, ovarian cancer was called the silent killer because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have proven this untrue. The following symptoms are more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than in women in the general population, even patients with early stage disease: bloating; pelvic or abdominal pain; difficulty eating or feeling full quickly; and urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency). As soon as ovarian cancer is diagnosed, rapid referral to a gynecologic oncologist can improve survival prognosis. This webinar will illustrate the benefits of referral to gynecologic oncologists and will review risk factors including genetic syndromes, presentation in early and late stages, diagnostic evaluation, physical exam, and indicators for referral to a gynecologic oncologist.

After participating in this course, the learner should be better able to: 

1. Identify signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
2. Describe the incidence of ovarian cancer nationally and in Rhode Island
3. Identify survivorship and quality of life advantages for patients referred rapidly after diagnosis to gynecologic oncologists
4. Outline evidence-based guidelines for effective symptom workup and indication for referral to gynecologic oncologist
5. Identify risk factors including genetic syndromes
6. Understand the national protocols for genetic testing and counseling eligibility

METHOD OF PARTICIPATION AND HOW TO RECEIVE CME CREDIT

There are no fees for participating in and receiving credit for this activity.

• Review the activity objectives, faculty information, and CME information prior to participating in the activity.
• View the CME presentation
• Complete the posttest with a passing score of 70% or greater, the CME activity evaluation at the conclusion of the activity in order to receive a credit certificate.

FACULTY DISCLOSURE

In accordance with the disclosure policy of the Brown University CME Office as well as standards set forth by the Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), speakers have been asked to disclose any relevant financial relationship with the manufacturers of any commercial products and/or provider of commercial services discussed in any educational presentation and with any commercial supporters or exhibitors of this activity.

The intent of this policy is not to prevent a speaker with a potential conflict of interest from making a presentation but to identified openly so that the listener may form his/her own opinion. Any potential conflicts of interest have been resolved prior to this presentation.

This activity may include discussion of off-label or investigative drugs uses. Speakers are aware that it is their responsibility to disclose to the audience this information. Individual Faculty Disclosure information may be found in the conference handouts.

Faculty Disclosure/Conflict of Interest

The following speakers and planning committee members* have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships:

Megan Daniel*
Paul A. DiSilvestro, MD
Joseph Dziobek, MSW*
Linda Dziobek, RN*
Norma Hardy, MEd, CHES*
Donna MacDonald, RN, OCN, CCM*
Jennifer Maloney*
Diane C. Martins, PhD, RN*
Jennifer Scalia Wilbur, MS*
C. Kelly Smith, MSW*
Maria Sullivan, BS*
Siana Wood, RN, BSN, CDOE *

DISCLAIMER AND PRIVACY POLICY

Privacy Policy: The Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and its educational partners protect the privacy of personal and other information regarding participants and educational collaborators. The CME Office maintains its Internet site as an information resource and service for physicians, other health professionals, and the public. The CME Office will keep your personal information confidential when you participate in a CME Internet-based program. CME collects only the information necessary to provide you with the services that you request.

Disclaimer: This educational program is designed to present scientific information and opinion to Health professionals, to stimulate thought, and further investigation.