ON-DEMAND | IDENTIFYING OVARIAN CANCER SYMPTOMS: PROMOTING EARLY DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND IMPROVED OUTCOMES THROUGH RAPID REFERRAL
In women ages 35-74, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. An estimated one woman in 78 will develop ovarian cancer during her lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 21,750 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2020, and that more than 13,940 women will die from ovarian cancer this year.
When a woman is diagnosed and treated in the earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent, Due to ovarian cancer’s nonspecific symptoms and lack of early detection tests, about 15 percent of all cases are early, meaning stage I or II. If detected at stage III or higher, the five-year survival rate can be as low as 28 percent. Historically, ovarian cancer was called the silent killer because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have proven this untrue. The following symptoms are more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than in women in the general population, even patients with early stage disease: bloating; pelvic or abdominal pain; difficulty eating or feeling full quickly; and urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency). As soon as ovarian cancer is diagnosed, rapid referral to a gynecologic oncologist can improve survival prognosis.
This webinar will illustrate the benefits of referral to gynecologic oncologists and will review risk factors including genetic syndromes, presentation in early and late stages, diagnostic evaluation, physical exam, and indicators for referral to a gynecologic oncologist.
Target Audience
This activity is designed for Physicians and Physician Specialists (gynecologists, gastroenterologists), Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Medical Students, Residents, Fellows and other allied healthcare professionals engaged in the care of women.
Learning Objectives
After participating in this course, the learner should be better able to:
- Identify signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
- Describe the incidence of ovarian cancer nationally and in Rhode Island
- Identify survivorship and quality of life advantages for patients referred rapidly after diagnosis to gynecologic oncologists
- Outline evidence-based guidelines for effective symptom workup and indication for referral to gynecologic oncologist
- Identify risk factors including genetic syndromes
- Understand the national protocols for genetic testing and counseling eligibility
Additional Information
PRESENTER
Paul A. DiSilvestro, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Director, Program in Women's Oncology
Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
Women & Infants Hospital
Providence, Rhode Island
Planning Committee
Megan Daniel
Partnership to Reduce Cancer in RI
Linda Dziobek, RN
Survivor
Joseph Dziobek, MSW
Director, Partnership to Reduce Cancer in RI
Norma Hardy, MEd, CHES
Survivor
Donna MacDonald, RN, OCN, CCM
Case Manager - Oncology, Women & Infants Hospital
Jennifer Maloney
Office of Continuing Medical Education
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Diane C. Martins, PhD, RN
University of Rhode Island College of Nursing
Matthew Oliver, MD
Women & Infants Hospital of RI
Jennifer Scalia Wilbur, MS
Program in Women's Oncology, Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program
Women & Infants Hospital
C. Kelly Smith, MSW
Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, RI Department of Health
Maria Sullivan
Director, Office of Continuing Medical Education
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Siana Wood, RN, BSN, CDOE
Nurse Planner, Office of Continuing Medical Education
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
FACULTY DISCLOSURE
In accordance with the disclosure policy of the Brown University CME Office as well as standards set forth by the Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), speakers have been asked to disclose any relevant financial relationship with the manufacturers of any commercial products and/or provider of commercial services discussed in any educational presentation and with any commercial supporters or exhibitors of this activity.
The intent of this policy is not to prevent a speaker with a potential conflict of interest from making a presentation but to identified openly so that the listener may form his/her own opinion. Any potential conflicts of interest have been resolved prior to this presentation.
This activity may include discussion of off-label or investigative drugs uses. Speakers are aware that it is their responsibility to disclose to the audience this information. Individual Faculty Disclosure information may be found in the conference handouts.
Faculty Disclosure/Conflict of Interest
The following speakers and planning committee members* have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships:
Megan Daniel*
Paul A. DiSilvestro, MD
Joseph Dziobek, MSW*
Linda Dziobek, RN*
Norma Hardy, MEd, CHES*
Donna MacDonald, RN, OCN, CCM*
Jennifer Maloney*
Diane C. Martins, PhD, RN*
Jennifer Scalia Wilbur, MS*
C. Kelly Smith, MSW*
Maria Sullivan, BS*
Siana Wood, RN, BSN, CDOE *
DISCLAIMER AND PRIVACY POLICY
Privacy Policy: The Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and its educational partners protect the privacy of personal and other information regarding participants and educational collaborators. The CME Office maintains its Internet site as an information resource and service for physicians, other health professionals, and the public. The CME Office will keep your personal information confidential when you participate in a CME Internet-based program. CME collects only the information necessary to provide you with the services that you request.
Disclaimer: This educational program is designed to present scientific information and opinion to Health professionals, to stimulate thought, and further investigation.
Continuing Medical Education
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the Rhode Island Department of Health. The Warren Alpert Medical School is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Physicians
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Northeast Multistate Division, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
AVAILABLE CREDIT
1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
1.00 ANCC
This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the Northeast Multistate Division, an accredited provider by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
1.00 Attendance
Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance stating this program is designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. This credit is accepted by the AAPA and AANP.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 1.00 ANCC
- 1.00 Attendance
This course is offered through Brown Alpert Medical School.
To take this course you will be redirected to Brown Alpert Medical School's website. You must login or create an account with Brown Alpert Medical School in order to complete this activity.
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