Ovarian cancer: recognition and initial management

Recommendation ID: CG122/1
Question: Relationship between duration of symptoms of ovarian cancer and stage at diagnosis:- Further research should be undertaken on the relationship between the duration and frequency of symptoms in women with ovarian cancer before diagnosis, the stage of disease at diagnosis and subsequent survival.
Any explanatory notes (if applicable): Why this is important:- Most women presenting with ovarian cancer have advanced disease and have had symptoms for months. Greater awareness among both women and healthcare professionals might result in women presenting earlier with less advanced disease, leading to better outcomes. There is insufficient understanding of the factors that influence earlier diagnosis in women with ovarian cancer, especially the relationship between duration of symptoms and stage at diagnosis. Data demonstrating benefits from earlier presentation will justify investment in raising awareness among women and healthcare professionals. This is likely to be a population-based study that records both the duration and frequency of symptoms.

Source guidance details

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research?	No
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?	No