Infrastructural and public health awareness gaps for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer: A literature review.
Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024;
309:1807-1813. [PMID:
38413425 DOI:
10.1007/s00404-024-07371-y]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the sixth most common cancer in women. This literature review and thematic analysis presents gaps in Health Literacy including public knowledge on symptoms, risk, and screening for OC. We have identified a strong variation in national and international Healthcare Infrastructure, and access to specialized care, and treatment guidelines; all inequalities that have a direct impact on patient prognosis and survival. Promoting health behaviors such as self-efficacy, signposting, and regular surveying have the potential to improve health literacy and patient outcomes. Furthermore, increased funding, access to high-volume centers, and homogenization of treatment guidelines may reduce inequalities and improve prognosis.
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