Centralization of primary surgery for ovarian cancer: Feasibility and impact on survival

Abstract

The general aim of the thesis was to gain more epidemiological knowledge of ovarian cancer by studying the feasibility and effect of centralized primary surgery on survival for ovarian cancer. The individual papers had the following specific aims:

1) To evaluate the completeness of reporting and accuracy of the diagnosis of ovarian cancer from one health region in Norway to the national Cancer Registry

2) To evaluate the ability of a risk of malignancy index (RMI), based on serum CA 125 level, ultrasound findings and menopausal status, to distinguish between benign and malignant pelvis masses with special emphasis on recognition of advanced ovarian cancer.

3) To assess the feasibility of applying the risk of malignancy index (RMI) at community hospitals for referral of women with suspected malignant pelvic masses for centralized surgery

4) To identify prognostic factors of survival within a cohort of Norwegian ovarian cancer patients.

5) To examine the effect on survival of centralization of the surgical management of ovarian cancer patients.