Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer” because the symptoms tend to go unnoticed. They may also be mistaken for other conditions, like endometriosis. There are no reliable effective screening tests that can detect ovarian cancer early. Treatment is more likely to be successful if the disease is diagnosed before it has had a chance to spread.
What is ovarian cancer?
Although it sounds like one disease, there are many types of ovarian cancer. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow out of control and divide into new abnormal cells.
Learn more about ovarian cancer, including potential causes and prognosis.
Who is at risk?
Although the exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, anyone with ovaries is at risk. Some people have a higher risk than others. Some factors that can increase your risk include:
- Family history of hereditary cancers like ovarian, breast and colorectal
- Inherited or acquired genetic mutations
- Childbirth later in life or never having a full-term pregnancy
There are also certain factors that can lower your risk of ovarian cancer. These include:
- Use of birth control
- Childbirth and breastfeeding
- Hysterectomy or tubal ligation
Learn more about the risk factors for ovarian cancer and how to reduce your risk.
Useful Resource - Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Ovarian Cancer Risk
These questions may help you understand ovarian cancer risk, the factors that may affect your risk, and what to do if you find out you are at higher risk for ovarian cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are easy to miss or ignore. Only 1 in 5 (20%) cases of ovarian cancer are detected early.
Common signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Feeling the need to urinate more often
Ovarian cancer can often be misdiagnosed because the symptoms can be caused by other diseases. That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and talk to your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
Useful Resource - Ovarian Cancer Signs & Symptoms Flyer
Download our resource to learn more about the signs & symptoms of ovarian cancer.
What are the types and stages of ovarian cancer?
There are three main types of ovarian cancer and four different stages. Each of the four stages can be broken down into substages.
The three main types of ovarian cancer are:
- Epithelial ovarian cancers
- Germ ovarian cancers
- Stromal cell ovarian cancers
The four stages of ovarian cancer are:
- Stage 1: Cancer is in one or both ovaries.
- Stage 2: Cancer has spread to the fallopian tubes or other organs in the pelvis.
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes; to other places in the abdomen such as the lining or peritoneum; or to the outer surface of the spleen or liver.
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes outside the abdomen or to inside the lungs, spleen, liver, or brain.
Learn about the different types of ovarian cancer and how the stage is determined.
What are the treatment options for ovarian cancer?
More treatment options are becoming available for ovarian cancer as science progresses. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. In some cases, doctors may use radiation to kill cancer cells.
Learn about these and other treatment options and how to manage possible side effects.
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Currently, there is no early detection test or screening tool for ovarian cancer. Surgery is the only way to get a clear diagnosis. If your doctor has concerns or your symptoms point to ovarian cancer, there are certain tests that can be used to diagnose it.
What programs and resources are available for ovarian cancer?
Getting an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. But you are not in this alone. The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) offers comprehensive services and programs to support those who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Find resources to help guide and support you navigate the disease.
What research is being conducted?
Scientists all over the world are getting better at understanding how to prevent and treat this illness. For the past 50 years, they have been working hard to learn more and make important improvements in how long patients live, a patient’s quality of life, and a patient’s response to treatment (how well it works).
Ovarian cancer statistics
Ovarian cancer rates have been declining over the past 20 years, but much work is still to be done to stop this deadly disease.
According to statistics from the American Cancer Society:
- It is estimated that about 19,710 people with ovaries will receive a diagnosis in 2023
- About 13,270 people with ovaries will lose their lives to ovarian cancer
- Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, or anyone born with ovaries, causing more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer
- The lifetime risk of getting ovarian cancer is about 1 in 78
- The lifetime chance of losing one’s life to ovarian is about 1 in 108
- From 1990 to the mid-2010s, incidence rates for ovarian cancer declined by 1% to 2% per year
- From 2015 to 2019, incidence rates declined by almost 3%
- Ovarian cancer mortality declined from 2% annually during the 2000s and early 2010s
- From 2016 to 2020, ovarian cancer mortality declined more than 3%
About Ovarian Cancer
Medically reviewed and updated | July, 2023
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