Ovarian cancer occurs when cancer cells form malignant tumors in one or both ovaries. With about 23,000 new cases diagnosed each year, ovarian cancer is the seventh most common type of cancer in women. Although the overall incidence is relatively low, the death rate from ovarian cancer is very high. It is the most deadly of all gynecologic cancers and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in women. The reason for the low survival rate is that ovarian cancer usually produces no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and there is currently no simple test to screen for it. Consequently, the disease is usually not diagnosed until symptoms appear and the cancer has spread. Occasionally, the disease is first suspected during a routine pelvic examination. Prognosis varies depending on the type and the stage of the disease, but the overall five- year survival rate is between 30 and 40 percent. It is therefore important to keep up with regular pelvic examinations; diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer in the earliest stage yields nearly a 90 percent five-year survival rate. Owing to recent advances in treatment, the survival rate has improved even among women with late- stage disease, and some types of ovarian cancers can now be cured.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

• In early stages there are usually no symptoms.
• Vague abdominal discomfort, indigestion, or other mild gastrointestinal problems.
• Abdominal swelling or bloating.
• Pelvic fullness or pressure.
• Urinary frequency.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding or abnormal menstrual

What Causes Ovarian Cancer?