Ovarian cancer is a disease of a woman’s ovaries, which are part of the reproductive system. Ovaries produce eggs and are the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. One ovary is located on each side of the uterus in the pelvis.

View the Understanding Ovarian Cancer online brochure.

Risk Factors

Risk factors increase the odds of getting a disease but do not always mean a disease will occur. Here are some ovarian cancer risk factors:

• Age: Women of any age are at risk—even young women—but most ovarian cancers develop after menopause; half occur in women over age 63.
• Family history: As with many diseases, family history may play a role in risk, but at this time we don’t know to what extent.
• Obesity: Although most estrogen is produced by a woman’s ovaries, fat tissue can change other hormones into estrogen. This increase in estrogen levels raises ovarian cancer risk.
• Reproductive history: Women who started menstruating early, have never been pregnant, or who entered menopause after age 50 may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
• Fertility drugs: Some studies show prolonged use of fertility drugs may increase risk.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Early signs of ovarian cancer are often non-specific, but might include the following:

• Increased abdominal size
• Indigestion, bloating, or gas
• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Pelvic and abdominal pain or cramping
• Back discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Unusual fatigue
• Nausea
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Many of these symptoms may result from less serious conditions and don’t necessarily indicate cancer. Discuss persistent issues with a doctor.

Early Detection and Prevention

When ovarian cancer is found early and before it has spread to other areas, many patients have a good prognosis. In fact, with early detection, about 94% of patients live longer than five years after diagnosis. Here are ways to help prevent and detect ovarian cancer early:

• Get women’s health exams yearly. During a routine pelvic exam, the doctor feels the ovaries and uterus for size, shape, and consistency, which might help detect symptoms.
• Discuss family history with your doctor. If ovarian cancer runs in your family, tell your doctor. It may increase your risk.
• See your doctor right away if you have symptoms. Although it may not mean cancer, express your concerns about persistent issues. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

If your doctor suspects a problem, he or she may request these diagnostic tests:

• Ultrasounds
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

Tests can confirm if a mass is present or if it has spread, but they cannot confirm if it is cancer. For this your doctor may recommend a blood test called cancer antigen 125 (CA-125). If this test shows elevated levels of a cancer protein, consult a gynecologic oncologist. These specialists have advanced surgical and medical training in treating gynecologic cancers.

Staging and Treatment

Staging is the process of determining the extent of a cancer and where it is in the body. Ovarian cancers at varying stages have different prognoses and treatments.

Treatment options depend on the cancer’s stage, the patient’s general health, plans for bearing children, and other personal considerations. These are common treatments for ovarian cancer:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

In some cases, all or a combination of these methods may be used. The patient and her cancer health care team will determine the best treatment options.