Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer involves abnormal growth of cells within or near your ovaries. These abnormal cancer cells can spread into other parts of your body. Ovarian cancer can occur in anyone who has female pelvic organs. While some people have pre-existing risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as genetic predispositions or family history of breast cancer, many people who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not possess any risk factors.³

The American Cancer Society estimates that roughly 20,890 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2025 and approximately 12,370 women will die from ovarian cancer in 2025. Over the last few decades, the incidence rate of ovarian declined by ~1-2% per year from 1990 to the mid-2010s. Additionally, fewer women are dying from ovarian cancer in recent years, likely due to better treatments.⁵

There are multiple tests and procedures that are utilized to diagnose ovarian cancer, each with their own purpose and ability to detect the disease.¹

• Pelvic exam: A pelvic exam involves a healthcare professional inserting their gloved finger into your vagina and simultaneously using their hand to press on your abdomen to feel your pelvic organs. The doctor will also investigate your external genitalia.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasounds or CT scans may be used to determine the size and shape of your ovaries.
• Blood tests: A blood test can determine organ function which may give the doctor insight on your overall health. Additionally, your blood can be tests for tumor markers that could indicate ovarian cancer.
• Surgery: In some cases, a doctor cannot be sure of your diagnosis until the ovary is removed and tested for cancer.
• Genetic testing: Sometimes, a doctor may request that your blood is sampled in order to look for gene changes that increase your risk for ovarian cancer. Knowing these inherited changes can help your doctor make decisions about an appropriate treatment plan.

There are four stages of ovarian cancer, with the lowest number corresponding to the least severe form of cancer and the highest number corresponding to the most severe form of cancer.¹

• Stage I: stage I has three sub-stages, which are termed IA, IB, and IC. In stage IA, cancer is only in one ovary or fallopian tube. Stage IB involves cancer in both ovaries or Fallopian tubes, and stage IC involves cancer in both ovaries or fallopian tubes and is also found outside of your ovary.
• Stage II: stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB. In stage IIA, cancer is in your ovary and uterus. In stage IIB, cancer has spread to other areas in the pelvic region.
• Stage III: stage II has three sub-stages. Stage IIIA means that cancer has spread beyond the pelvic region and is in your abdomen or lymph nodes. Stage IIIB means that the tumor is at least 2 centimeters in size and has spread beyond the pelvic region or within the lymph nodes. Stage IIIC indicates that cancer has moved beyond the pelvic region, is larger in size, or may be within the lymph nodes. At this sub-stage, the cancer cells may impact the liver or spleen.
• Stage IV: stage IV is the most advanced stage and means that cancer has spread to the inside of other organs, such as the liver or spleen. In stage IVA, cancer is found in the lungs, and in stage IVB, cancer is found in the lymph nodes of the groin or in your chest.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can have a profound emotional impact on yourself, your family, and friends. It is not uncommon for women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer to experience higher rates of anxiety or depression. However, it is important to know that there are many resources to lean on that other ovarian cancer survivors have made use of⁶:

• Counseling
• Talk therapy
• Mindfulness-based activities
• Peer groups
• Creative therapies

Because ovarian cancer treatment may require the removal of female reproductive organs, understanding how fertility is impacted is a key topic. While you may not be able to become pregnant naturally due to the removal of your ovaries and fallopian tubes, there are other options available if you would like to start a family. Additionally, in some cases where the cancer is caught early, you may be able to keep an unaffected ovary and your uterus. In cases where both ovaries are removed, potential fertility options include in vitro fertilization, surrogacy and adoption or fostering.⁷

The survival rate of ovarian cancer depends greatly on the stage and type of cancer that you have. For ovarian cancer that has progressed to later stages, survival rates are lower as the cancer has spread to other regions of the body and will impact a larger portion of your body’s functioning. For more information on survival rates, please visit the American Cancer Society’s website related to ovarian cancer statistics.⁵

Researchers are continuously investigating potential new and more effective treatments. For guidance on the best treatment options for you—and to determine if you may qualify for a clinical trial—please speak with your healthcare provider.⁸