Simple questionnaire may aid in ovarian cancer diagnosis

A paper-and-pencil questionnaire that required less than 5 minutes to complete may aid providers in diagnosing ovarian cancer, according to study results.

The current study describes the use of a method of collecting ovarian cancer symptom information in a primary care clinic. The analysis included 1,200 women aged 40 to 87 years. Participants completed several versions of a draft symptom index assessment form during visits.

The researchers examined links to a positive symptom index result and surveyed providers about whether the screening procedures were acceptable.

Results demonstrated that when the instructions contained variations, the rate at which women indicated having symptoms was associated with a positive symptom index. When written instructions emphasized listing only current symptoms, 5% of women had positive results.

Higher rates of positive symptom index results were reported among women visiting the clinic due to current medical concerns, as well as among nonwhite women (P<.05).

Health care providers generally accepted the procedure.

The symptom index could be completed in less than 5 minutes in most cases.

One patient with a positive symptom index was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and no patients with a negative index developed the disease.

“A quick paper-and-pencil form can be used to identify women with symptoms potentially indicative of ovarian cancer,” the researchers wrote. “Use of such a form for ovarian cancer screening purposes is acceptable to most women and providers in a primary care clinic setting.”