What is Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Ovarian cancers are named after the types of cells of the ovaries that become cancers. Epithelial tumors start from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovaries. These are the most common type of ovarian cancerous tumors, accounting for about 80% - 88% of ovarian cancers. Other types include germ cell tumors, which start from cells that produce ova (the eggs), and stromal tumors, which form from the cells that hold ovaries together and produce female hormones.

The National Cancer Institute's 2012 estimates for ovarian cancer in the United States are:

• 22,280 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed
• 15,500 women will die from ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the 8th most common cancer among women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. It also ranks 5th in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. A woman's risk of getting invasive ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1/71.

What is the survival rate for ovarian cancer?

Survival rates are affected by a woman's age and by the stage of disease when detected and treated. About three in four women with ovarian cancer survive the 1st year after diagnosis and almost half are alive at least five years after diagnosis. (Source: American Cancer Society) When diagnosed in Stage I patient survival is greater than 90%; however less than 20% of the cases are found in this early stage. Therefore, being aware of symptoms and discussing them with your doctor is recommended.

How is ovarian cancer treated?

Ovarian cancer is generally treated through a combination of surgery to remove cancerous tissues known as debulking, followed by a course of chemotherapy. Once a patient has been treated for ovarian cancer, she needs to be closely followed for a recurrence.