In Australia, they say that most women with ovarian cancer are not diagnosed promptly or properly in general. However a recent study shows otherwise in most cases. A report found in the Medical Journal of Australia states that in fact, women with ovarian cancer in Australia are investigated and diagnosed promptly, but those living in remote areas, low income households and women with stomach or bowel symptoms that may mask cancer flags from physicians.

The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland and the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre questioned 1,463 women via telephone with epithelial (surface) ovarian cancer about how they were diagnosed. The cancer was not diagnosed incidentally in 1,318. Approximately 42% were referred to a gynecologist, gynecological oncologist or oncologist and then diagnosed with the disease. When repeat visits to the same doctor were done and further tests implemented, this figure increased to 61%.

Dr. Susan Jordan, from the School of Population Health at the University of Queensland says:

Anecdotally, there is a perception that the journey from first presentation to diagnosis is often long and circuitous for women with ovarian cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe in detail the diagnostic pathways experienced by women with ovarian cancer in Australia. Our study provides reassurance that, despite anecdotal evidence to the contrary, most women with ovarian cancer in Australia are diagnosed promptly once they present to a medical practitioner.

Eighty five percent of women visited less than three practitioners before they reached an accurate diagnosis. Eighty percent of cases were found within three months of a first visit an incredible 66% within one month’s time. Aside, the diagnosis took more than six months in 12% of the persons that answered the questionnaire.

Jordan concludes:

Further studies addressing these factors, especially lack of access to care, are warranted.

Pathways to the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer in Australia
Susan J Jordan, Jane E Francis, Anne E Nelson, Helen M Zorbas, Karen A Luxford and Penelope M Webb
MJA 2010; 193 (6): 326-330

Written by: Sy Kraft, B.A. – Journalism – California State University, Northridge (CSUN)