Don't forget the diet

The Effect of Nutrition Intervention With Oral Nutritional Supplements on Ovarian Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

https://tinyurl.com/3c4crv6w

 

         Women unlucky enough to have ovarian cancer are frequently mal-nourished. Previous studies have shown that at the time of diagnosis only about 10% are well nourished. Reasons for this include, peritoneal metastases with leak of protein to ascitic fluid, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and sub acute bowel obstruction.

         This study looks at whether oral food supplement can improve the nutritional status of these women. By random allocation, a group of 60 women with ovarian cancer were divided into two groups; those who received supplement and those who did not. Assessment of nutritional health used the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment format, which records weight, function, intake and symptoms. 

         Results from the study were linked to biochemical and haematological data. It shows that a simple intervention with oral food supplement can have a significant beneficial effect. Further investigation, to determine whether improved nutrition results in improved outcomes, is warranted.

Male partner issues

Fear, worry and sadness: an exploratory study of psychological wellbeing in men caring for their partner with ovarian cancer

https://tinyurl.com/nh9dbxc

 

         It is often forgotten that ovarian cancer is not just a disease for the patient. Family, friends, and caregivers for women with ovarian cancer all are affected to a lesser or greater degree. For many women their male partner becomes the caregiver.

         That women with ovarian cancer frequently develop psychological stress is well known. There is little information about how men, whose partners have become patients, are affected. This small study sought responses from 36 male caregivers, with assessment of anxiety and depression. 

         Results from the study suggest excessive anxiety about the future, the relationship, and recurrence, with many caregivers being clinical depressed due to seemingly inevitable progression. The authors suggest that psychological damage is common with ovarian cancer. Health care providers should be aware of this and look to support the extended contact group.

Is diagnosis delayed?

Factors impacting the time to ovarian cancer diagnosis based on classic symptom presentation in the United States

https://tinyurl.com/4wwbbaxe

 

         Delay in diagnosis is said to be common in ovarian cancer. There is little scientific evidence for this claim. One factor, said to be implicated in the delay, is the vague nature of symptoms. 

         This retrospective study looked at almost 14,000 women with ovarian cancer. Data obtained from Medicare claims history showed the interval from presenting with any initial typical symptom to diagnosis. Classic symptoms of possible ovarian cancer are pain, distension, early satiety, and urinary dysfunction.

         Results from the study showed the delay after initial presentation, with a mean of three months and a median of one month. Black women, those with multiple symptoms, and those whose first Medicare claim was through an emergency centre, did worse. Improvement is shown with a reduction in delay of about 13% in the last five year period (2011-15) when compared to the initial one (1992-99).

 

My brother died of ovarian cancer

My brother died of ovarian cancer: Why Deputy Lords Speaker Ian Duncan is campaigning for trans health

https://tinyurl.com/43bryw4j

         Rather than my version of this story, I encourage everyone to click on the link above and read the original article from “i news”.

         Ian Duncan writes of the problems his brother Sean had when he transitioned to male. He takes the opportunity to campaign for equitable medical care for transgender men. He says, “ The whole community has become a football for different political, moral factions who are using it as a means to tell a story.” 

         Transgender men frequently receive suboptimal medical care, sometimes due to prejudice but more often neglect. If surgical pelvic clearance is performed as part of the transition, ovaries may be left in situ. This can further complicate proper surveillance.