Canadian women's perspectives on ovarian cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the perspectives of Canadian women living with ovarian cancer regarding their experiences with the disease.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of Canadian women with ovarian cancer.


METHODS
Survey questionnaires were sent to physicians in 26 cancer programs that treat women with ovarian cancer and to ovarian cancer self-help groups for subsequent distribution to women.


METHODS
Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and able to read English or French.


METHODS
A variety of individual items in the survey related to information received, communication, physical and psychosocial symptoms, impact of illness and quality of life.


RESULTS
A total of 315 women returned the survey. The average age of the respondents is 59 years. Each province and territory is represented in the sample. Over one-half of the women received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer within a month of seeking help for a concern and 85% had multiple treatment modalities. The majority of the women felt adequately informed (80%) and were satisfied with communication with their physicians (mean of 4.1 to 4.5 on a 5-point scale). A majority (62%) said that their lifestyle had changed as a result of their disease. Problems were experienced most frequently regarding side effects (58%), fear of recurrence (54%), sleeping difficulties (46%), bowel difficulties (44%), fear of dying (36%) and difficulty concentrating (32%). Many who experienced problems reported receiving inadequate help for them (16% to 49%). Quality of life was reported as significantly lower following the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer (p = 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides an important foundation for further investigation. There is a pressing need for research regarding the early identification of ovarian cancer and issues of support and coping. Care for women with ovarian cancer requires the expertise of a range of disciplines and community-based agencies working collaboratively as a team.
Fitch
M I
MI
Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Ont. marg_fitch@cancercare.on.ca
Gray
R E
RE
DePetrillo
D
D
Franssen
E
E
Howell
D
D
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002170:Canada; D003142:Communication; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000523:psychology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011788:Quality of Life; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires