Survivorship Issues in Ovarian Cancer: A Review

Abstract

The nature and management of physical symptoms, beyond pain, in ovarian cancer survivors need further study. Specifically, QOL and psychosocial issues for long-term survivors require study. Consequences for women who undergo major tissue debulking or multiple and aggressive courses of cytotoxic treatments must be understood to facilitate intervention.

Changes in supportive care needs after first‐line treatment for ovarian cancer: identifying care priorities and risk factors for future unmet needs

“…Importantly, we discovered that women with ovarian cancer report consistent levels of psychological and physical needs and declining levels of system/information, patient care and sexuality needs over the two year period after first-line treatment. The persistence of psychological and physical needs may be due to women experiencing one or more disease recurrences and receiving follow-up chemotherapy [1], which can amplify physical and psychosocial issues [30]. This is confirmed in our sample with women who were on chemotherapy having higher odds of unmet needs.…”

“…While most women initially respond to treatment, 80% experience disease recurrence and go on to have multiple courses of chemotherapy over several years, before succumbing to their disease [1]. Survival is an important objective of treatment but, in the context of advanced disease and the debilitating side-effects of ongoing treatment, maximising quality of life is also a priority issue.…”

“…Most women with ovarian cancer have advanced disease at diagnosis [1]. They are typically treated with surgery and six three-weekly cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy.…”

Nurse led telephone follow up in ovarian cancer: A psychosocial perspective

“…During the past 30 years, survival has increased owing to improvements in diagnosis, surgery and chemotherapy. Survivorship is a relatively new concept in this area and consequently the needs of these women lack exploration (Lockwood-Rayerman 2006).…”

Evaluation of a workshop for survivors: Picking Up the Pieces

“…The number of women living five years following diagnosis of ovarian cancer has increased from 37% in 1976 to 46% in 2006 (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2010). Optimal debulking techniques have been cited as one of the significant factors in maximizing the effectiveness of postoperative therapies (Lockwood-Rayermann, 2006).…”