Global epidemiology, risk factors, and histological types of ovarian cancers in Trinidad
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women in the world and Trinidad and Tobago is ranked 18th in
the world with respect to the rate of occurrence. About 68% cases are diagnosed at a late stage, resulting in low survival rates. Since
there is very scanty literature available on the epidemiology of ovarian cancer in the Caribbean region, this study was undertaken to
assess the most common risk factors, presenting symptoms and common histological varieties in Trinidad. Methods: A hospital‑based,
cross‑sectional study was designed, and all the 23 diagnosed ovarian cancer cases registered during 2015–2017 were considered.
Information on sociodemographics, presenting symptoms, and histological type of cancers were collected after getting the ethical
approval. Of the total 23 cases, 17 cases were included in this study after ensuring completeness of data as detailed analysis of patient
data was done using Microsoft Excel. Results: The common risk factors identified were previous pregnancies, previous surgeries, and
irregularities in the menstrual cycle. The commonest histological variety was granulosa tumors and the most common associated
symptoms were irregular menses and abdominal pain in premenstrual women, and abdominal distention in postmenopausal women.
Conclusions: It would greatly enhance the detection rate if screening and testing for the CA‑125 gene were a mandatory practice,
for any patient found with more than three risk factors. The public health authorities should identify the modifiable risk factors
and implement cancer reduction and health promotion activities to reduce the mortality related to ovarian cancers
Description
Table of Contents
Keywords
Cross‑sectional design histology hormone replacement therapy, Ovarian cancer, Risk factors, Serous carcinoma
Citation
Umakanthan S, Chattu VK, Kalloo S. Global epidemiology, risk factors, and histological types of ovarian cancers in Trinidad. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019;8(3):1058-1064. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_384_18