Ovarian cancer. The most lethal gynecologic malignancy.

The need for the early detection of ovarian cancer continues to be one of the most important issues in women's health care. The overall 5-year survival rate for epithelial ovarian cancer remains approximately 30% and has not improved over the last three decades. The failure to improve the prognosis for women with ovarian cancer is directly attributable to the lack of an effective screening test for early-stage disease. It is hoped that with the study of those women at high risk, an appropriate screening method will be discovered. Nurses should become knowledgeable about the nature of ovarian cancer, should be able to identify the woman at familial risk, and should look at a symptomatic woman with a high degree of suspicion. As health educators, nurses can provide up-to-date information about Ca 125 serum tests and vaginal ultrasonography used to screen high-risk populations. Nurses must educate women about the importance of the pelvic examination. Historically, nurses are trained to view the patient holistically. Such a viewpoint will help to put together all of the pieces of a difficult puzzle.