Tackling misconceptions about ovarian cancer
With ovarian cancer early detection is critical for better survival. Because there is no screening test a high index of suspicion by women is essential. Adequate education as to symptoms and signs is needed.
This study performed in Melbourne, Australia was a telephone survey of almost 500 women looking at their understanding of ovarian cancer.
The results were alarming; 65% thought there is an effective screening test and that a PAP smear was used to detect ovarian cancer, 50% thought that a vaccine is available to prevent ovarian cancer. All these assumptions are incorrect.
Confusion regarding the vaccine is thought to be a result of the high numbers of women who have been immunised against HPV to prevent cervical cancer (90% uptake in Australia).
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