2026-04-17T12:12:40Zhttps://recercat.cat/oai/request

oai:recercat.cat:2445/2286182026-04-08T14:07:39Zcom_2072_1057col_2072_478798col_2072_478916col_2072_478917

00925njm 22002777a 4500 dc Vela Vallespín, Carmen author Medina Perucha, Laura author Jacques Aviñó, Constanza author Codern Bové, Núria author Harris, Meggan author Borràs Andrés, Josep Maria author Marzo Castillejo, Mercè author 2026-03-30T17:35:36Z 2026-03-30T17:35:36Z 2023 2026-03-30T17:35:37Z Background Early detection of symptoms and prompt diagnosis of ovarian cancer are considered important avenues for improving patient experiences and outcomes. Methods This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to perform patient interviews, collecting individual accounts of the prediagnostic phase in women diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer in 2016–2017. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a diverse sample of 24 participants, while thematic content analysis was used to extract themes and subthemes from interview data. Results Three themes and nine subthemes were identified. The first theme was women's delay in recognizing symptoms and seeking care, with subthemes on the lack of knowledge about early signs of ovarian cancer, gender-related barriers and false reassurance from negative test results. A second theme was missed opportunities during healthcare encounters, due to misattribution of women's symptoms by their physicians, underestimation of symptom severity and need for mediation and inadequate tests and/or false negative results. Finally, interviews highlighted the use of resources and alternative healthcare pathways, including complementary/alternative medicines, access to private health care and women's capacity for action and decision-making (agency) about their health. Càncer d'ovari Malalties de l'ovari Patòlogues Ginecologia Ovarian cancer Ovary diseases Women pathologists Gynecology Women's experiences along the ovarian cancer diganostic pathway in Catalonia: A qualitative study