Epidemiology of Ovarian Cancer in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran 2006-2014

Background and purpose: Ovarian cancer, compared to other gynecologic malignancies, has the highest fatality rate among women. Studying the demographic and epidemiologic characteristics can play an important role on planning and implementation of preventive proceedings and early detection according to geographical location. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of ovarian cancer in women attending Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital. A descriptive study was done in 130 patients selected by census sampling. Data was obtained from the Comprehensive Cancer Center affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences using a checklist. Data analysis was done in SPSS V24 using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation). Most of the patients aged 41-60 years old. The majority of patients were diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (71%). Also, about 30% were diagnosed at advanced stages (stage IV). High fatality rate of ovarian cancer and late diagnosis could be prevented by providing women with appropriate trainings on the risk factors and protective factors for ovarian cancer and regular screening programs.