Information for general practitioners

Information for GPs

These pages are specifically for healthcare professionals working in general practice. They are designed to be a comprehensive source of the latest research and guidance, facilitating best practice and early diagnosis of ovarian cancer in general practice.

The diagnosis section describes the key recommendations outlined in the NICE guideline CG122 Ovarian Cancer: The recognition and initial management of ovarian cancer; including clear guidance on recognising and managing potentially symptomatic women in primary care.

Our section on familial ovarian cancer contains information about the genes known to be mutated in familial ovarian cancer; and also offers guidance on the steps to take if a patient presents with a possible family history of ovarian cancer.

 

GP toolkit

We have developed a range of resources which will help GP's who are managing potentially symptomatic women and referring them for diagnostic tests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

eLearning  

Target Ovarian Cancer has partnered with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to develop a new eLearning module Bloating and Other Abdominal Symptoms: Could it be Ovarian Cancer? www.elearning.rcgp.org.uk/ovarian

The module was developed following an in depth survey of 400 GPs conducted as part of the Target Ovarian Cancer Pathfinder Study 2012. GPs were asked which factors are most likely to influence their choice of online educational tools, the majority (55%) felt that they were more inclined to choose a resource which covers symptoms commonly presenting in primary care. With this is mind we partnered with the RCGP to develop a module which would focus on the symptoms most commonly associated with ovarian cancer. Through a series of case studies the module is an opportunity to think in greater detail about presenting symptoms; and consider which factors might distinguish ovarian cancer from common conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infection and ovarian cysts, themselves, the most common misdiagnosis among women with ovarian cancer.
 

 

 

 

Interactive Case History CPD Module 

In response to feedback from 400 GPs Target Ovarian Cancer commissioned BMJ Learning to develop a FREE ACCESS online continuing professional development tool. The tool provides an hour of accredited learning based on interactive case studies involving ovarian cancer.  As with all the BMJ Learning modules, this tool has been peer reviewed and incorporates the latest research available; and in April 2011 it underwent revision to reflect the NICE clinical guidelines. 

The module was 'highly commended’ by the 2010 Excellence in Oncology Awards in the best professional education initiative category'. The judges recognised it showed great potential to influence the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Read more about the interactive case history tool 

Podcast CPD Module

We have extended our suite of GP educational resources by working with BMJ Learning to develop an audio podcast on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The podcast offers an alternative format to the interactive case history module to those GPs who want to update their knowledge on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer; at 20 minutes long it is also an excellent refresher for those looking to build on their existing knowledge of ovarian cancer. The podcast offers 1 hour of accredited learning and is free to access.

Please consider completing these useful modules and also alert your colleagues to the opportunity.

Access the interactive case history module - Recognising Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: in association with Target Ovarian Cancer

Access our podcast - Ovarian cancer; recognising early symptoms in primary care

Fact sheets

Our new fact sheets are designed to be given to women who are undergoing diagnostic tests for ovarian cancer. Each fact sheet outlines, what the test is for, what to expect when having the test and what the results might me.

CA125 fact sheet: NICE recommends that women experiencing symptoms of ovarian cancer are given a CA125 blood test.

Pelvic and abdominal ultrasound scans fact sheet: NICE recommend pelvic and abdominal ultrasound scans for symptomatic women who have a CA125 test result greater than 35 IU/ml.

Download a copy of the fact sheet reference list 

Flagpen

Our flag pen is a simple and convenient way to remember the symptoms of ovarian cancer and the recommendations for GPs made in the NICE clinical guideline.

 

Publications for patients

If you are supporting a patient with ovarian cancer you might be interested in our patient guides. Three guides are available which cover a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer, recurrent ovarian cancer and end of life/palliative care. Each guide aims to give women practical information and support. You can read more about the guides here.  

All of our resources are available free of charge, to order copies of any of our resources please email or phone 020 7923 5470