Tarrant County Community Resources for Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Background Ovarian cancer accounts for 3% of reproductive system cancers among women, but it causes more deaths than any other form of reproductive cancer1. An analysis of 5 year cancer data revealed that between 2008 and 2012, 484 women in Tarrant County were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 303 women died with a mortality rate of 63%, the third highest of all cancers in the county2. Our research focuses on identifying community resources within Tarrant County that can guide and assist patients in coping with this difficult illness. Epidemiology The high mortality rate of ovarian cancer is due to its deep location within the pelvis, often leading to no symptoms until an advanced stage. Risk factors include women of middle age or older, family history, BRCA1/2 mutation, endometriosis, taking estrogen supplements alone and having never given birth3. To reduce risk, women are advised to use birth control pills, have ovaries removed, giving birth and breastfeeding3. Incidence rates vary by ethnicity with Caucasians having the highest rate followed by Hispanics and Blacks3. Subsequently, death rates are highest for Caucasians3. Tarrant County Resources The level of care available in Tarrant County can vary greatly depending on the patient’s ability to pay and health insurance status. While health insurance enrollment numbers have grown since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, many still do not have insurance. Community centers such as JPS help those with low income or lack of insurance find the guidance and support that they need. Additional resources include Texas Oncology, the Gynecological Cancer Navigational Program, Moncrief Cancer Resources from UT Southwestern, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center. With early detection and aggressive treatment, the 5 year survival rates of women with invasive stage I ovarian cancer can be as high as 90% compared to only 17% in stage IV.1Thus, it is imperative that women gain access to the care that they need as early as possible to ensure the best possible outcome. 1American Cancer Society 2Texas Cancer Registry 3Centers for Disease Control