title: A Pap test does not screen for everything: nurse practitioner knowledge of ovarian cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in a prime position to educate women about initial signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer (OC) and perform appropriate screening tests. However, little is known about NPs knowledge regarding OC. This article's purpose is to present the outcomes of a focused OC awareness program for NP students.
  
  
  METHODS
  NP students (N = 104) participated in this longitudinal one group pre-post study. Knowledge was calculated based on the number of correct answers for a total knowledge score and subscales related to OC incidence, risk, screening, symptoms, and treatment. An item related to the effectiveness of the Pap test to screen for OC was evaluated separately.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledge deficits continue to exist related to OC, emphasizing the need for NPs to be aware of risk factors, symptoms, and early detection options for women with average risk. Many NP students erroneously believed a Pap test was an effective screening tool for OC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many NPs are inadequately prepared to assess risk, detect early symptoms, and perform screening tests for OC. Continuing education and reinforcement about OC is essential if NPs are to provide appropriate education to clients and detect this deadly disease as early as possible.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
authors.forename: Victoria Wochna
authors.initials: VW
authors.lastname: Loerzel
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rash
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D065006:Papanicolaou Test / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Oncology; nurse practitioners; prevention; screening; survey research; women's health