Health Seeking Related to Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Critical review of general health-seeking models showed a need for expansion to include the early and atypical symptom period associated with ovarian cancer and the role of self and primary care in the diagnostic process. Data from family functioning research showed that in the self-care phase, the initial gastrointestinal symptoms were unrecognized as serious, given common sense labels, and self-managed. When primary care provider care was sought, misdiagnoses occurred three fourth of the time. Diagnostic delays occurred in these 2 phases of care. An expansion of a model of health seeking links personal and family risks and adds early symptom data may be obtained through monthly self-monitoring by women using a symptom checklist. Organization of risks and symptom information assists in interpretation of disparate streams of data and gives a recommended outcome: high personal risk level + high family risk level + high early and persistent symptoms presence = high need for a prompt gynecological evaluation. The restructured health-seeking process requires women be taught how to monitor their ovarian health. Nurses and primary care providers need frequent continuing education updates and the health media need current and accurate information about this malignancy.

Awareness of Symptoms and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer in a Population of Women and Healthcare Providers

“…Despite this and the moderate knowledge of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, delays in diagnosis occur frequently (Cooper et al, 2013;Evans et al, 2007;Koldjeski et al, 2004;Seibaek et al, 2011). Despite this and the moderate knowledge of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, delays in diagnosis occur frequently (Cooper et al, 2013;Evans et al, 2007;Koldjeski et al, 2004;Seibaek et al, 2011).…”

“…Those that have been conducted have shown that women in the general population are not aware of, or have low awareness of, the symptoms of ovarian cancer (Jayde & Boughton, 2012;Jones et al, 2010;Koldjeski, Kirkpatrick, Everett, Brown, & Swanson, 2004;Lockwood-Rayermann, Donovan, Rambo, & Kuo, 2009). However, few studies have been completed on the level of awareness among women.…”

Symptom interpretation and health care seeking in ovarian cancer

“…Ovarian cancer has thus been perceived as "a silent killer"; an assumption which is still leading to misdiagnosis and delay in numerous cases. However, previous studies have identified a symptom cluster preceding diagnosis, and information campaigns as well as self-monitoring programmes for women at risk are being developed and tested [5-8]. Studies by Goff, Bankhead, and Hamilton have identified symptoms presented in general practice which are independently associated with ovarian cancer, of which the most significant are abdominal distension, increased urinary frequency, and abdominal pain [9-11].…”

Help‐seeking among Korean American women with urinary incontinence

“…HSB is complex and characterized by efforts that unfold in socio-environmental and situational contexts. This early diagnosis-seeking process involves a period of self-care and when such efforts are not effective, the next phase is to obtain professional health care or help-seeking (Koldjeski et al, 2004). A major aspect of HSB is searching for an answer when symptoms signal that 'something is not right'.…”

“…HSB is complex and characterized by efforts that unfold in socio-environmental and situational contexts. In such contexts, HSB is influenced by multiple factors, many of which have a significant impact on the outcomes of actions (Koldjeski et al, 2004). A major aspect of HSB is searching for an answer when symptoms signal that 'something is not right'.…”