Effects of Demographics and Over-the-Counter Analgesics on Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Abstract

Several independent studies have shown that ovarian cancer is not a silent disease and that many women have symptoms before diagnosis. These symptoms include abdominal/pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, and bloating. However, little information is known about what personal characteristics, medical conditions, or habits influence these symptoms or how they are reported. This report evaluates and describes factors that may be associated with how a patient reports these symptoms. We show that a small number of characteristics, include race, number of gynecologic conditions, and reason for clinic visit, may influence what symptoms are reported and the specific pattern of reporting.