What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum grow in an uncontrolled way.
The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system, located on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are mainly made of three types of cells:
- Epithelial cells which form the outer layer of tissues around the ovary
- Germ cells which form the eggs
- Stromal cells which form the structural tissue cells in the ovaries
Ovaries produce eggs and female hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone.
In advanced disease, ovarian cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body to form secondary cancers, in a process called metastasis.
Epithelial ovarian cancer, which accounts for the majority of ovarian/fallopian tube cancers, originates in the cells lining the ovary.
Explore statistics on ovarian cancer, including the number of new cases, deaths, survival rates, and overall prevalence.
Risk factors for ovarian cancer include family history, genetics, age, medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and certain medications, while having children, using oral contraceptives, or undergoing tubal ligation may reduce the risk.
There is currently no recommended screening test for ovarian cancer, even for high-risk individuals, as no existing test can accurately detect early-stage disease.
Ovarian cancer symptoms, including abdominal bloating, pain, and changes in appetite, bowel habits, or urination, can be vague but should prompt immediate medical attention.
Multiple tests, including physical exams, imaging, blood tests, and surgery, may be used to diagnose ovarian cancer, with biopsy being the definitive method for confirmation, and staging helps determine treatment options.
Ovarian cancer treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy, with the specific approach depending on the stage of the disease, its location, symptoms, and overall health.
Some women are at increased risk of ovarian cancer because they have a strong family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer.
Living with cancer can be challenging, but you can find support from family, friends, health professionals, and cancer support organizations to help you cope with the emotional, physical, and practical issues related to your diagnosis.
Research is ongoing to find new ways to diagnose and treat different types of cancer.
Details for professionals seeking comprehensive information on ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
It's important to know your own body and be aware of the symptoms of the disease, as there is no screening test for ovarian cancer.
Last updated 3 February 2025
