Ovarian Cancer

The incidence of ovarian cancer has progressively increased during the past decade, and its mortality rate has followed a similar course. Conversely, in cancer of the uterine cervix, the mortality rate has diminished. Detection and early diag­ nosis have been the two responsible factors in achieving the decrease in the number of deaths occurring in cancer of the cervix. The revers~ is true in cancer of the ovary: diagnosis as a rule is only established late, when dissemination has already occurred, thus making the control of the disease much more difficult. Clinical staging thus far has not been in use at many centers, and it therefore becomes very difficult to compare results of treatment since we do not know the exact anatomical extent of the disease. Histopathological classification in cancer of the ovary is still a very controversial subject and a uniform terminology is urgently required. Management of patients with cancer of the ovary varies widely from one institu­ tion to another. There is no agreement as to how to treat an ovarian neoplasm; by surgery alone, or, by using radiation and chemotherapy as a complement to the operative treatment. In an effort to shed more light on these items, the Patient Care Committee of the UIce held this symposium, which was unique in the broadness of its scope pertaining to every phase of ovarian cancer.