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Infrastructural and public health awareness gaps for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer: A literature review

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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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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in PubMed, EMBASE MedLine, and online reports and resources at the doi addresses specified in references 1-41 outlined in this article.

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Royal Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Reading, UK

    Kyriaki-Barbara Papalois

  2. Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK

    Christina Fotopoulou

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  1. Kyriaki-Barbara Papalois
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K-BP, data collection and management, manuscript co-author and editor. CF, manuscript writing and editing.

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Correspondence to Kyriaki-Barbara Papalois.

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Papalois, KB., Fotopoulou, C. Infrastructural and public health awareness gaps for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer: A literature review. Arch Gynecol Obstet 309, 1807–1813 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-024-07371-y

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