Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer starts in the cells of the ovary or ovaries. The female reproductive system includes 2 ovaries, which are small, oval-shaped organs. They are found deep in the pelvis on either side of the uterus (womb), close to the end of the Fallopian tubes.

There are 3 main types of Ovarian Cancer. For each type, the Cancer starts in a different type of cell found in the ovaries.

  • Epithelial cell cancer starts in the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary.
  • Germ cell tumours start in the egg cells inside the ovary and generally occur in younger women. Germ cell cancer can even develop in children.
  • Stromal tumours start in the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together.

Epithelial cell cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. The information in this brochure is about epithelial cell cancer. The other types develop differently and may require different treatment.

About this Cancer

Statistics

  • According to the Canadian Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks 10th in terms of incidence rate for cancers that affect individuals with ovaries. 
  • It is estimated that around 3,000 patients will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2024. As for the death rate, over half, 2,000 (67%), are estimated to die from it.

Symptoms

  • Bloating
  • Eating less and feeling full quickly
  • Abdominal/pelvic/back pain
  • Needing to pee more urgently and more frequently
  • Indigestion
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (heavier or irregular bleeding) or discharge
  • Indigestion
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Changes in bowel movements
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society, or Cure Our Ovarian Cancer.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:

  • Family history of ovarian cancer (or other types like breast, colorectal, uterine, or pancreatic)
  • Previous breast cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Gynecological surgery
  • Hormone replacement surgery/therapy
  • Birth control pills
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Asbestos (group of minerals used in building materials and industries)
  • Tall adult height
  • Obesity
  • Endometriosis
  • Sedentary behavior (sitting for long periods) 
  • Getting older
  • Having a full-term pregnancy after the age of 35

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society, or Cancer Research UK.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis options include:
  • Pelvic exam
  • Imaging tests (such as CT scans, ultrasound, …)
  • Surgery
  • Genetic testing
  • Blood tests (such as tumor markers or a complete blood count (CBC))
  • Laparoscopy
  • Biopsy
  • Paracentesis
  • Colonoscopy

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, Cleveland Clinic, or Mayo Clinic.

Treatment

Treatment options vary widely depending on the type of ovarian cancer (epithelial, stromal, germ cell, etc) and the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include:

  • Surgery (examples include removing one ovary, both ovaries, removing the uterus, …)
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Palliative care 

For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, or Mayo Clinic.

Stories from Survivors

Stories from Other Groups

We currently do not have any ovarian cancer stories at this time. If you have any, please send them to us at info@survivornet.ca.

Resources

Latest Research

Ovarian Cancer Groups

Canada

  • Ovarian Cancer Canada: We are here to demand action, deliver change, and transform lives. We stand hand-in-hand with the people experiencing, affected by, or at risk of the disease. We will not rest until women are able to live their lives freely, fully, and uninhibited by ovarian cancer. Visit them at Ovarian Cancer Canada