Ovarian Cancer is a growth of abnormal malignant cells that begins in the ovaries (women’s reproductive glands that produce ova). Cancer that spreads to the ovaries, but originates at another site, is not considered Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Although abnormal, cells of benign tumors do not metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). However, malignant cancer cells in the ovaries can metastasize in two ways: directly to other organs in the pelvis and abdomen (the more common way); and through the bloodstream or lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

While the causes of Ovarian Cancer are unknown, some theories exist: genetic errors may occur because of the repeated “wear and tear” of the monthly release of an egg; and increased hormone levels before and during ovulation may stimulate the growth of abnormal cells.

Facts

• Ovarian Cancer is not an uncommon disease; it occurs in 1 of every 91 women.
• In 2025, almost 20,890 women will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and about 12,730 will die from the disease.
• Ovarian Cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States and is the most deadly of the gynecological cancers.
• Currently, 50% of women diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer die from the disease within 5 years.
• When diagnosed in advanced stages, the chance of 5-year survival is only 44%. Most women receive a diagnosis in an advanced stage.
• When Ovarian Cancer is detected early, before it has spread beyond the ovaries, more than 90% of women will survive longer than 5 years. Sadly, only 19% of women are diagnosed in the early stages.
• Ovarian Cancer is often difficult to diagnose because symptoms may be subtle, are easily confused with other diseases, and because there is no single, reliable, easy-to-administer screening tool.

Symptoms

Historically, Ovarian Cancer was called the “silent killer,” because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with Ovarian Cancer than women in the general population.

Research suggests that the majority of women with Ovarian Cancer experience symptoms. Symptoms vary and often depend on the location of the tumor and its impact on the surrounding organs.

These symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
• Women with Ovarian Cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from normal for their bodies. The frequency and/or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer. Several studies show that even early stage Ovarian Cancer can produce these symptoms.

Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. Prompt medical evaluation may lead to detection at the earliest possible stage of the disease. Early stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis.

Women with Ovarian Cancer have commonly reported several other symptoms. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation, and menstrual irregularities. However, these other symptoms are not as useful in identifying Ovarian Cancer, because they are also found in equal frequency in women in the general population who do not have Ovarian Cancer.