Ovarian Cancer Facts

Ovarian cancer is a group of diseases categorized by the overgrowth of cells in the ovaries. These cells grow and divide uncontrollably, eventually taking over other parts of the body and destroying healthy tissue. Although ovarian cancer can spread throughout the entire body, in most cases it stays in the abdomen and affects organs such as the intestines, liver and stomach.

A woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about one in 67. The risk of getting this cancer and dying from it is one in 95. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women, excluding skin cancer. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women.

• Epithelial Cell – Ovarian cancer that starts in the cells that make up the outer layer of the ovary. It is the most common type of ovarian cancer, but often caught in later stages.
• Germ Cell – Ovarian cancer that starts in the reproductive egg cells of an ovary.
• Stromal Cell – Ovarian cancer that starts in the cells that make up the supportive tissue layer of the ovary. It is often caught in early stages but is the least common type of ovarian cancer.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the different types of ovarian cancer.

• Genetic Testing and Counseling – Several different mutations can lead to an increased risk for the development of ovarian cancer. However, most cases of ovarian cancer are not diagnosed in patients with genetic mutations.
  • BRCA 1/2 – Mutations in either BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes lead to an increased risk for ovarian cancer and account for about 10-15% of all ovarian cancer diagnoses. 
  • Lynch Syndrome – A number of different mutations fall under the umbrella term of Lynch syndrome which can increase one’s risk for many types of cancer. Mutations in the MLH1, MSH6, or MSH6 genes of Lynch Syndrome increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer by age 70 11-17%.
• Birth Control – Oral contraceptive with both estrogen and progesterone taken for a prolonged period of 5 years or more can reduce one’s risk of ovarian cancer.
• IUDs – Recent research has found that women who used an IUD were 32% less likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who did not.
• Surgery – Usually preventative surgery will only be recommended for those with high risk of ovarian cancer. Surgical options include the preventative removal of the ovaries and other reproductive organs.

• • Salpingo-oophorectomy – The surgical removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes. Usually reserved for high-risk women who are done having children.
  • Tubal Ligation – Fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked to permanently prevent pregnancy.
  • Salpingectomy – The surgical removal of the fallopian tubes.

CLICK HERE to learn more about hereditary ovarian & breast cancers and steps to take if you have family history and/or are interested in genetic testing.

• See your doctor right away if you experience:
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (particularly for those past menopause) or other abnormal discharge
• Additional symptoms to report to your doctor if they persist for 2 weeks or longer:
  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Quickly feeling full when eating
  • Weight loss
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area
  • Back or abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination or changes in bowel habits

To help spread awareness about ovarian cancer, CLICK HERE to download our signs and symptoms postcard to send to a loved one.

• Ovarian cancer, when caught early, has a 5-year survival rate of 90%.
• 20% of ovarian cancer cases are currently diagnosed in stage 1 or 2.
  • Stage 1 – cancer is confined to the ovaries; 90% of patients survive 5 years or more.
  • Stage 2 – cancer is confined to the pelvis; 70% of patients survive 5 years or more.
  • Stage 3 and 4 – cancer has spread beyond the pelvis; only 20-25% of patients survive 5 years or more.

Tina’s Wish funds research specific to the early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer. Mammograms, colonoscopies, and pap smears are examples of tests for early detection of breast, colon, and cervical cancer. No such similar test exists for ovarian cancer.