Recognizing and treating ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related death among women and is the deadliest gynecologic cancer. The mortality rate associated with this disease is attributed in part to the fact that it is often not diagnosed until its later stages. Although no definitive screening test for this form of cancer yet exists, a recent consensus statement offers guidance to help physicians identify women who may have the disease. This article describes the importance of and means for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, reviews treatments, and discusses the role of both the primary care physician and the gynecologic oncologist with regard to this disease.