Development of a Self-Report Instrument to Evaluate the Cumulative Effect of Documented Risks, Triggers, and Protective Factors in Ovarian Cancer Expression

Cesario, Sandra

Monday, 31 October 2011

Sandra Cesario, PhD, RNC, FAAN
College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University - Houston, Houston, TX

Learning Objective 1: List three factors that are protective for ovarian cancer and three factors that place a woman at risk for developing ovarian cancer.

Learning Objective 2: Describe the validity and reliability of the newly developed self-report instrument

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of the gynecologic malignancies. Early recognition is contingent upon the woman’s awareness of bodily changes and knowledge of risk factors that predispose her to this disease. It is the accumulation of several factors over time that leads to the expression of ovarian cancer. Worldwide, 300,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually, the greatest incidence in the US and Europe, and lowest incidence in Africa and Asia.

Objectives:

Develop a self-report scale to assess the cumulative effect of multiple causative and protective factors leading to ovarian cancer
Establish content and construct validity of the instrument
Establish reliability of the instrument

Method/Procedure for tool development: Due to non-availability of a relevant, multifaceted and comprehensive measure for examining multiple causative and protective factors leading to ovarian cancer, a self-report instrument is being developed based on a comprehensive literature review. Content and construct validity will be determined by factor analysis and expert review before being pilot tested. Statistical properties of each item will be determined and the items revised or deleted based on the empirical data. Reliability will be determined by retesting.

Results: Risks include: genetic factors; family or personal history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer; aging; hormonal factors including early puberty, late menopause, nulliparity, infertility, and estrogen replacement therapy; obesity and dietary patterns; environmental/occupational exposure to pesticides, chemicals, asbestos, diesel fumes, and talcum powder; lifestyle factors of inactivity, alcohol use, smoking, and sexual orientation. Protective factors identified include use of contraception, breastfeeding, pregnancy, diet and exercise, certain medications, and specific menstrual cycle characteristics.

Discussion & Conclusions: Instrument development will provide a means to investigate the multifaceted nature of the risks and protective factors related to ovarian cancer. Until a physiologically-based population screening test is developed, healthcare providers need more information about the combination of factors predisposing women to this deadly disease.

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