Ovarian cancer is a group of cancers that can develop in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. Different types can behave differently and may require different treatment approaches.
Explore trusted ovarian cancer information about symptoms, risk, diagnosis, treatment, statistics, and support. Find the information that is most relevant to you.
Learn about common ovarian cancer symptoms and when changes should be discussed with a health care provider.
Explore signs & symptomsLearn which factors may increase ovarian cancer risk and when family history or genetics may be important.
Understand your riskLearn how health care providers evaluate possible ovarian cancer and which tests may be used.
Learn about diagnosisFind information and resources to help you understand your diagnosis and prepare for the next steps.
Explore newly diagnosed resourcesOvarian cancer includes several cancers that can develop in the ovaries or closely related tissues. Different types can behave differently and respond differently to treatment.
Learn where ovarian cancer can begin, how it develops, and how it may spread.
Ovarian cancer symptoms often have causes other than cancer. However, certain changes should not be ignored.
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms may be more concerning when they are new, frequent, persistent, or getting worse.
Anyone with ovaries can develop ovarian cancer. Some factors can increase a person’s risk.
These may include age, family history, inherited genetics, endometriosis, and certain medical or reproductive factors.
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop ovarian cancer. Some people diagnosed with ovarian cancer have no known risk factors.
There is no reliable routine screening test for ovarian cancer in people without symptoms.
CA-125 blood testing and transvaginal ultrasound may be used in certain situations. However, they are not effective routine screening tests.
A Pap test screens for cervical cancer. It does not screen for ovarian cancer.
If you have symptoms or concerns about your risk, talk with a health care provider.
Diagnosing ovarian cancer may involve several types of information. Evaluation can include an exam, imaging, blood tests, and other testing.
A pathologist usually confirms cancer by examining tissue or cells. The results can also help identify the cancer type and subtype.
Ovarian cancer includes several different types and subtypes. These cancers can have different biological features and treatment considerations.
Stage describes where cancer is located and how far it has spread. Ovarian cancer is generally described from Stage I through Stage IV.
Ovarian cancer treatment depends on the individual diagnosis. Cancer type, stage, tumor features, previous treatment, and overall health can affect recommendations.
Treatment may involve one or more approaches.
Surgery may help determine the cancer stage and remove as much visible cancer as safely possible.
Learn about ovarian cancer surgeryChemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing. It may be used before surgery, after surgery, or if ovarian cancer returns.
Learn about chemotherapyTargeted therapies act on specific proteins, pathways, or other features involved in cancer growth. Testing may help identify targeted treatment options for some people.
Explore targeted therapiesHormone therapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy may be used in selected situations.
Explore other treatmentsClinical trials study new treatments and new ways to use existing treatments.
Explore ovarian cancer clinical trialsClinical trials study new treatments and new ways to use existing treatments.
Explore ovarian cancer clinical trialsTreatment recommendations should be individualized. A gynecologic oncologist can help develop a plan based on your diagnosis.
After diagnosis, your health care team will gather information about your specific cancer.
This may include:
This information helps your care team recommend a treatment plan.
A new diagnosis can also bring many questions. You do not need to understand everything at once.
💡 Newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer?
NOCC provides information and resources to help you understand your diagnosis and prepare for what comes next.
Living with ovarian cancer can bring emotional, practical, financial, and medical challenges.
NOCC offers programs and resources for people living with ovarian cancer, caregivers, families, and loved ones.
Explore support, education, practical resources, and opportunities to connect with others.
Thousands of people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States each year.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026:
Learn more: American Cancer Society: Key Statistics for Ovarian Cancer
Common symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, and urinary changes.
Symptoms may be more concerning when they are new, frequent, persistent, or getting worse.
No. A Pap test screens for cervical cancer.
It does not screen for ovarian cancer.
Learn more about ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Sometimes.
Inherited genetic changes can increase ovarian cancer risk. However, not every ovarian cancer is hereditary.
Learn more about ovarian cancer risk factors.
Yes.
Many high-grade serous cancers appear to begin near the end of a fallopian tube.
Learn more about what ovarian cancer is.
Yes.
Several treatments are available for ovarian cancer. The recommended approach depends on the individual diagnosis.
Learn more about ovarian cancer treatment options.
There is no reliable routine ovarian cancer screening test for people without symptoms.
Talk with your health care provider about symptoms or factors that may affect your risk.
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