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Quick Facts

  • Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 in 78 women and is the deadliest of the gynecological cancers. It is the fifth leading cause of death among women.

  • The average age of diagnosis is late 50’s to early 60’s. However, it can and does occur in females of ALL ages, races, and ethnicities.​

Different Types

  • Epithelial is the most common ovarian cancer and starts on the surface of the ovaries.

  • Germ Cell is rare and originates in the reproductive (egg) cells of the ovaries.

  • Stromal Cell is very rare and originates in the connective tissue that holds an ovary together.

  • Small Cell is extremely rare, and it is not certain if the cells are from epithelial, germ, or stromal cells.​

Ovarian Cancer Facts

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Ovarian Cancer Risks

  • Increase in age

  • Having children later in life

  • Taking hormone therapy after menopause

  • Having a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer

  • Ashkenazi Jewish descent

  • BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation

  • Lynch Syndrome

  • Using fertility treatment

  • Smoking

Common Symptoms

  • Ovarian cancer does have symptoms. They can be very subtle and easily attributed to other common ailments. These symptoms are more likely to appear when the cancer has spread and is in a later stage.

    • BloatingPelvic or abdominal pain

    • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly

    • Urinary frequency and/or urgency

Reduce Risk

Detections

  • Currently no reliable screening or early detection tests exist for ovarian cancer. The Pap test does not test for ovarian cancer; it screens for cervical cancer.

  • These tests can help when taken all.

    • Vaginal/rectal exam

    • Transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound,

    • CT scan

    • CA-125 blood test 

  • Removal of the ovaries

  • Birth control (Oral contraceptives)

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

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