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OPTIONAL LOGO HERE Detection of Ovarian Cancer in Primary Care (1) Fabian Lee, Foundation Year 2. (2) Gbolahan Somoye, Senior Registrar. (3) Sherif Saleh, Consultant Gynaecologist. OPTIONAL LOGO HERE Gynaecology Department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Scotland, UK. Email: [email protected] Objectives Ovarian cancer is termed ‘silent killer’ and is the most common form of gynaecological cancer with an incidence rate of 20 per 100,000. It is also widely recognised that most women with ovarian cancer have nonspecific symptoms making it particularly difficult to detect, especially in primary care. Majority of women with ovarian cancer present in the advanced stages, therefore the poor outcome. This study aims to examine the quality of clinical information of urgent referrals for suspected ovarian cancer as provided by primary care physicians to a specialist gynae-oncology service in the North of Scotland, UK. Methods 96 referral letters for suspected ovarian cancer from primary care were reviewed from October 2010 to September 2011. TEMPLATE DESIGN © 2008 www.PosterPresentations.com Conclusions Outcome of each referral were categorised as ‘malignancy’ or ‘no malignancy’. Referral letters from primary to secondary care are lacking important clinical information. We reviewed the following clinical information: 1)physical examination findings (ascites and/or pelvic/abdominal mass – not obviously uterine fibroids); 2)duration of symptoms, 3)specific symptoms (any one/more of abdominal bloating, early satiety, abdominal/pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, or age >50 with symptoms of IBS), and; 1)general symptoms (any one or more of unexplained weight loss, fatigue, altered bowel habit, in which ovarian cancer is suspected). Results Duration of symptoms were only mentioned in 56% of referrals. No details of any specific and/or general symptoms in 18% of referrals. All referral letters to gynaecological cancer services are evaluated by senior clinicians and prioritised accordingly based on presenting symptoms, physical examination findings and investigation results to determine the urgency of action required (eg: Outpatient clinic appointment or In-patient admission). Obviously, the challenge presented by ovarian cancer is to diagnose the disease early as possible, therefore primary care physicians play a major role in ensuring that patients with potential ovarian malignancies are directed to the most appropriate clinical pathway as soon as. References NICE Clinical Guideline 122 – Ovarian Cancer: The Recognition And Initial Management Of Ovarian Cancer. http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG122