Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer” because the symptoms tend to go unnoticed.
They may also be mistaken for other conditions, like endometriosis. There are no reliable effective screening tests that can detect ovarian cancer early. Treatment is more likely to be successful if the disease is diagnosed before it has had a chance to spread.
Medically reviewed and updated | July, 2023
Although it sounds like one disease, there are many types of ovarian cancer. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow out of control and divide into new abnormal cells.
Learn more about ovarian cancer, including potential causes and prognosis.
Although the exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, anyone with ovaries is at risk. Some people have a higher risk than others. Some factors that can increase your risk include:
There are also certain factors that can lower your risk of ovarian cancer. These include:
Learn more about the risk factors for ovarian cancer and how to reduce your risk.
These questions may help you understand ovarian cancer risk, the factors that may affect your risk, and what to do if you find out you are at higher risk for ovarian cancer.
The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are easy to miss or ignore. Only 1 in 5 (20%) cases of ovarian cancer are detected early.
Common signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
Ovarian cancer can often be misdiagnosed because the symptoms can be caused by other diseases. That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and talk to your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
Download our resource to learn more about the signs & symptoms of ovarian cancer.
There are three main types of ovarian cancer and four different stages. Each of the four stages can be broken down into substages.
The three main types of ovarian cancer are:
The four stages of ovarian cancer are:
Learn about the different types of ovarian cancer and how the stage is determined.
More treatment options are becoming available for ovarian cancer as science progresses. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. In some cases, doctors may use radiation to kill cancer cells.
Learn about these and other treatment options and how to manage possible side effects.
Currently, there is no early detection test or screening tool for ovarian cancer. Surgery is the only way to get a clear diagnosis. If your doctor has concerns or your symptoms point to ovarian cancer, there are certain tests that can be used to diagnose it.
Getting an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. But you are not in this alone. The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) offers comprehensive services and programs to support those who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Find resources to help guide and support you navigate the disease.
Scientists all over the world are getting better at understanding how to prevent and treat this illness. For the past 50 years, they have been working hard to learn more and make important improvements in how long patients live, a patient’s quality of life, and a patient’s response to treatment (how well it works).
Ovarian cancer rates have been declining over the past 20 years, but much work is still to be done to stop this deadly disease.
According to statistics from the American Cancer Society:
Discover a supportive local ovarian cancer community near you through the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, connecting survivors, caregivers, and advocates in the fight against this disease. Join a network of strength, compassion, and understanding to make a difference together.
© 2025 National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
