What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a solid tumor cancer that originates in the ovary(ies) or fallopian tube(s). It develops when DNA mutations tell the cells to multiply rapidly, creating a tumor. There are three types of ovarian cancer tumors.
- Epithelial tumors – form in the thin layer of tissue on the outside of the ovary. These tumors make up approximately 90% of ovarian cancer cases.
- Stromal tumors – form in the tissue that contains hormone-producing cells. These tumors make up approximately 7% of ovarian cancer cases.
- Germ cell tumors – form in the egg-producing cells of the ovary. These tumors are rare and generally occur in younger women.
Causes and Risk Factors
The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown. However, doctors have identified the following risk factors:
- Family history of ovarian cancer
- Age – roughly half of the women diagnosed are over 63 years of age
- BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, RAD51C and RAD51D genetic mutations and gene changes associated with Lynch syndrome
- Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
- Starting menstruation at a young age
- Starting menopause at a later age
- Personal history of breast, uterine or colon cancer
- Obesity
- No history of pregnancy
- Endometriosis
Signs and Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms rarely occur in early stages of disease and symptoms that occur in advanced disease stages are often dismissed or mistaken for other conditions such as:
- Swelling or bloating of the abdomen
- Feeling full quickly
- Weight loss
- Pelvic discomfort
- Constipation, changes in bowel habits
- Frequent urination
Ovarian Cancer Statistics
- 1 in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
- The American Cancer Society estimates that 19,880 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 12,810 women will die from ovarian cancer in 2022 in the United States alone.
- Ovarian cancer ranks 5th in cancer deaths among women.
- Ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
