Ovarian Cancer Facts

  • Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of the gynecological cancers (cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar).
  • Ovarian cancer is the 8th most common cancer among California women and the 5th leading cause of cancer death among California women.
  • A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 72.
  • When ovarian cancer is detected early (confined to the ovaries) and treated properly, more than 90% of women survive longer than 5 years.
  • Pap tests DO NOT detect ovarian cancer.
  • Non-Hispanic white women are at the greatest risk for ovarian cancer cancer and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) women have the lowest risk. However, it is the 5th most common cancer in South Asian women in California.
  • According to SEER data, the stage distribution indicates that 15% of ovary cancers are diagnosed while the cancer is still confined to the primary site, whereas 63% are diagnosed after the cancer has already metastasized or spread.
  • In 1998, the economic burden of gynecologic cancers in California indicated that ovarian cancer was the most costly at an estimated $292 million, followed by cervical cancer at $206 million and uterine cancer at $126 million.

How Ovarian Cancer Causes Symptoms: click here to see the detailed illustration of how ovarian cancer causes symptoms.

 Reprinted from "Warning Signs," CURE: Cancer Updates, Research and Education, Winter 2007.  Reprinted with permission from CURE Media Group (www.curetoday.com).

Watch a VIDEO on ovarian cancer symptoms
cbseyeClick the CBS Eye on the left to watch a video where Katie Couric talks with an oncologist and a woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer about the symptoms of the disease and the importance of early detection.
OVARIAN CANCER SYMPTOMS
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.  Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist.  The following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population.  These symptoms include:
  • Bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer.  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.  These symptoms include:
  • Fatigue
  • Indigestion
  • Back pain
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Constipation
  • Menstrual irregularities

The preceding information does not take the place of medical advice. 

RISK FACTORS
Every woman is at risk for ovarian cancer at any age; however, the following factors may increase a woman's risk:
  • A personal or family history of breast, colon or ovarian cancer
  • Increasing age
  • Nullparity
Factors associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer include:
  • Using oral contraceptives
  • Having and breastfeeding children
  • Having a bilateral tubal ligation or hysterectomy
  • Having a prophylactic oophorectomy
 
  
REFERENCES
  • California Dialogue on Cancer.  Comprehensive Cancer Control in California 2004.  2004: Oakland, CA
  •  American Cancer Society, California Department of Public Health, California Cancer Registry.  California Facts and Figures 2011. Oakland, CA: American Cancer Society, California Division, September 2010.   
  • Schlag,R., et al.  Ovarian Cancer in California.  2001: California Department of Health Services, Cancer Surveillance Section: Sacramento, CA
  • Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, Neyman N, Aminou R, Waldron W, Altekruse SF, Kosary CL, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z, Cho H, Mariotto A, Eisner MP, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA, Edwards BK (eds).  SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2008, National Cancer Institute.  Bethesda, MD, http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2008/, based on November 2010 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, 2011.
  • Max, W., al.  The economic burden of gynecological cancers in California, 1998. Gynecological Oncology, 2003.88(2); p.96-103.
  • American Cancer Society.  Detailed Guide: Ovarian Cancer. 2008. [cited; available from: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?dt=33.
  • Gynecological Cancer Foundation.  Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Consensus Statement.  2007. [cited; available from http://www.wcn.org/ov_cancer_cons.html]

    • To learn more about ovarian cancer and the symptoms to look for, click on Links or Educational Materials for more information.