Worsening symptoms

Karen returns to see her GP, Dr McGoldrick, to discuss her progressive continuing symptoms.

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Progression of symptoms

• Progressive fatigue limiting quality of life
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Distention/bloating
• Early satiety

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Dr Rebecca Leon, GP Lead, talks to Prof. Gordon Jayson, Professor of Medical Oncology, about the common symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be non-specific and difficult to diagnose. They can often be linked to other suspected cancer or non-cancer diagnoses.

Assessing abdominal distension

If a patient presents with abdominal distention the ICE mnemonic can be used to assess their risk of ovarian cancer. Dr McGoldrick used this to help assess Karen’s symptoms.

Asking about a patient’s ideas, concerns and expectations enables you to gain insight into how a patient currently perceives
their situation, what they are worried about and what they expect from the consultation.

	Ideas – What do you think is causing these symptoms?
	Concerns – What are you concerned about?
	Expectations – What outcomes were you expecting from today’s consultation?

Additional resources

Link: Safety netting, Cancer Research UK

Link: Click to see the 5 Fs of abdominal distension