A/Prof Peter Sykes | |||||||||||||
Peter is a Gynaecological Oncologist and Head of department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the University of Otago, Christchurch. A graduate of Bristol University he emigrated to New Zealand in 1986 completed his O and G fellowship in New Zealand and his sub specialty training in Australia. He established a system of tertiary referral for women with Gynaecological Cancer in the South Island from 1997, and continues to support the development of tertiary gynaecological cancer services In New Zealand. He is integrally involved in undergraduate and postgraduate education and has on-going clinical and scientific research interests. He has numerous publications in the field of gynaecological cancer and precancer. |
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Although most GPs will see relatively few women with this disease. Ovarian Cancer is an important cause of cancer death in middle age and older women in New Zealand. Approximately 300 women are diagnosed and 180 die every year making it the 4th cause of cancer mortality. Late presentation and delayed diagnosis are a feature of this disease. Most women will respond to treatment but recurrence is the norm. As a result women undergo radical and multiple treatments and palliative care is an important aspect of their management. There is sometimes a familial component to this disease. General practitioners, hospital specialists and community services need to work as a team to offer these women optimal care. In this overview I will discuss our current understanding of the biology of this disease, diagnosis, screening, current management, palliative care and familial considerations of this disease with an emphasis on information that will assist general practitioners understand this disease and assist their patients. |
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