Outreach and Education: Early Detection and Prevention of Ovarian Cancer
Sandra E. Brooks, M.D.
School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore


Ovarian cancer is a devastating disease affecting 26,000 women each year. The majority of patients present after it has spread to the upper abdomen. Despite aggressive surgery and chemotherapy, many women succumb to their disease within three to four years. The purpose of this survey is to gather data on the knowledge, attitudes and practice of primary care practitioners of screening and early detection of ovarian cancer. It will also provide a forum for professional education to focus attention on the complex issues surrounding genetic screening. Information disseminated through this survey will raise the level of awareness of the appropriate use of genetic screening, tumor markers and ultrasound.