Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

“Currently, there is no routine, simple screening test to accurately detect ovarian cancer. Contrary to popular belief, cervical screening (i.e. Pap smear) will not detect…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Ovarian Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cancer of the Ovary
  • Ovarian Cancer

Cancer

What is cancer?

DotS the definition of cancer may vary. The (United States) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition is:

“Cancer
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems”.2

Ovarian Cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

DotS the definition of ovarian cancer may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition is:

“Ovarian cancer is a group of diseases that originates in the ovaries, or in the related areas of the fallopian tubes and the peritoneum”.3

Symptoms

What are the common symptoms of ovarian cancer?

In Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC) elaborate on4:

Ovarian Cancer

Other Symptoms

What can be other symptoms of ovarian cancer?

In Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? the WOCC:

“Occasionally, there can be other symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as:

  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Abnormal bleeding – Any post-menopausal bleeding should always be checked by your primary health care provider or doctor
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss”.5

In Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? the (United Kingdom) Target Ovarian Cancer also note:

“Symptoms will be:

  • New – they’re not normal for you
  • Frequent – they usually happen more than 12 times a month
  • Persistent – they don’t go away”.6

Cause

What may cause ovarian cancer?

In Ovarian Cancer: Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer the (United Kingdom) NHS explain:

“Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer.

You may have a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer if you:

  • Inherited a faulty gene, such as the BRCA genes or those linked to Lynch syndrome
  • Had breast cancer or bowel cancer
  • Had radiotherapy treatment for a previous cancer
  • Have endometriosis or diabetes
  • Started your periods at a young age or went through the menopause late (over 55), or have not had a baby – because these things may mean you’ve released more eggs (ovulated more)
  • Have never used any hormonal contraception, such as the pill or an implant
  • Are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • Are overweight
  • Smoke”.7

Age

Is there an association between the risk of developing ovarian cancer and getting older?

In Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer? the WOCC include:

“These factors are primarily known to increase the risk for the most common type of ovarian cancer – epithelial ovarian cancer.

  • Age: Your risk increases as you get older. Ovarian cancer is more common in women aged 50-79. However, younger women can get it too”.8

Ovarian Cancer

Common or Not

How common is ovarian cancer?

In the United States, the NCI in Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version: General Information About Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer – In the United States, ovarian cancer is the sixth-leading cause of death from cancer in women elaborate on:

“Although ovarian cancer is rare, it is the sixth-leading cause of death from cancer in women. It is also the leading cause of death from cancer of the female reproductive system”.9

In the United Kingdom (UK) Cancer Research UK note:

“Around 7,600 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK each year. This makes ovarian cancer the 6th most common cancer in women”.10

Pap Test

Does the Pap test check for ovarian cancer?

No. In Testing & Detection the WOCC note:

“Currently, there is no routine, simple screening test to accurately detect ovarian cancer. Contrary to popular belief, cervical screening (i.e. Pap smear) will not detect ovarian cancer. While cervical screening is effective in early detection of cervical cancer, it is not a test for ovarian cancer.

Because there is no routine ovarian cancer screening test, it is important to be aware of the disease and its symptoms”.11

Symptom Diary

Where may I find an ovarian cancer symptom diary?

Your Country may have Links similar to:


Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary

Health Care Provider

What if I am worried about some symptoms I am experiencing?

In Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: Worried About Your Symptom? Target Ovarian Cancer elaborate on:

“If you regularly experience any one or more of these symptoms it’s important that you contact your GP, even if they’re mild. Your GP should arrange for a CA125 blood test. They may also order ultrasound scans of your ovaries and tummy. If your symptoms don’t go away, go back to your GP or ask for a second opinion within a month.

Tell your GP if one or more relative in your close family has had cancer especially if the cancer affected your mother, father, brother or sister. This is because ovarian cancer can run in families”.12

Who is a GP?

DotS and DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Ovarian Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Ovarian Cancer?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. 5 Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
  2. A To Z of Ovarian Cancer
    Ovarian Cancer
  3. About Ovarian Cancer
  4. About Ovarian Cancer
    Ovarian Cancer
  5. BRCA & Lynch Syndrome FAQs
  6. BRCA Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing
  7. BRCA Gene Test for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk
  8. BRCA Genetic Test
  9. British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) Ovarian, Tubal and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Guidelines: Recommendations for Practice Update 2024 [September 2024]
  10. British Gynaecological Cancer Society and British Menopause Society Guidelines Management of Menopausal Symptoms Following Treatment of Gynaecological Cancer [August 2024]
  11. CA125 Blood Test
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Abnormal Uterine Bleeding—When To See A Clinician
  13. Detection & Testing
  14. Eveappeal.org.uk [Eve Appeal, United Kingdom]
  15. Experiencing Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  16. Family Health History
  17. February Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [Australia]
    Ovarian Cancer
  18. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]
  19. Genetics: What Does This Mean for Me and My Family?
  20. Gynae Cancer Awareness Month [September, United Kingdom]
  21. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  22. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
    Gynecologic Cancers
  23. Gynecologic Cancers
  24. Gynecologic Cancers
  25. Heredity Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Family Health History and Breast and Ovarian Cancers
  26. Heredity Cancer and Risk
  27. Hereditary Ovarian Cancer
  28. How To Talk To Your GP About Your Concerns: Keep Track of Your Symptoms – Ovarian Cancer Action Symptoms Diary
  29. Lynch Syndrome [+ Video: What Is Lynch Syndrome]
  30. Lynch Syndrome: Everything You Need To Know
  31. Mayo Clinic Minute: Tips From A Gynecological Surgeon on Recovery From Surgery [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  32. Mayo Clinic Q&A: Get the Facts on Ovarian Cancer
  33. National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [September 2025, United States]
    Ovarian Cancer
  34. National Ovarian Cancer Coalition [United States]
  35. Nottheseovaries.org [Not These Ovaries, United States]
    Ovarian Cancer
  36. Ovacome.. Ovarian Cancer [United Kingdom]
  37. Ovarian Cancer
  38. Ovarian Cancer
  39. Ovarian Cancer
  40. Ovarian Cancer
  41. Ovarian Cancer
  42. Ovarian Cancer
  43. Ovarian Cancer
  44. Ovarian Cancer
  45. Ovarian Cancer
  46. Ovarian Cancer
  47. Ovarian Cancer
  48. Ovarian Cancer
  49. Ovarian Cancer
  50. Ovarian Cancer
  51. Ovarian Cancer
  52. Ovarian Cancer
  53. Ovarian Cancer Action [United Kingdom]
  54. Ovarian Cancer Australia
  55. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [March, United Kingdom]
  56. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
  57. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: How to Make an Impact and Drive Real Change [01 September 2026]
  58. Ovarian Cancer Information In Other Languages
    Ovarian Cancer
  59. Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance [United States]
  60. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  61. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
  62. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Additional Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer – Symptom Diary
  63. Ovarian Cancer/Primary Peritoneal
  64. Ovarian Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging – Tests for Ovarian Cancer
  65. Ovarian Cancer: Essential Facts You Need To Know – Mayo Clinic Health System [Video]
  66. Ovarian Cancer: Moving To A Personalized Treatment Approach
  67. Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian Cancer Basics
  68. Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
  69. Ovarian Cancer: Reducing Risk for Ovarian Cancer
  70. Ovarian Cancer: Screening for Ovarian Cancer
  71. Ovarian Cancer: Still Possible After Hysterectomy?
  72. Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
  73. Ovarian Cancer: What Is Ovarian Cancer? The Ovaries and Reproductive System: Cancers of the Female Reproductive System [+ Video]
  74. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer–Patient Version
  75. Pain and Ovarian Cancer
  76. Pap Test: Can It Detect Ovarian Cancer?
  77. Persistent Bloating
  78. Risks and Causes
  79. Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
  80. Stages and Grades of Ovarian Cancer
  81. Symptom Diary
  82. Symptoms & Risks – What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
    Ovarian Cancer
  83. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
  84. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: More Support – Symptoms Diary
  85. Symptoms: Symptom Diary
  86. Targetovariancancer.org.uk [Target Ovarian Cancer, United Kingdom]
  87. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  88. Understanding Gyn Cancers
  89. Understanding Ovarian Cancer
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  91. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary
  92. What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
  93. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  94. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  95. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  96. What Is Ovarian Cancer? Types of Ovarian Cancer
  97. What Is Ovarian Cancer? [Video]
  98. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September]
    Ovarian Cancer
  99. World Ovarian Cancer Day [09 May 2026]
    Ovarian Cancer
  100. Worldovariancancercoalition.org [World Ovarian Cancer Coalition]
  101. You and Ovarian Cancer: An Animated Patient’s Guide To Ovarian Cancer [+ Animation: Understanding Ovarian Cancer]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Detection & Testing.World Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/ovarian-cancer/detection-testing/ Accessed: 22 April 2026
  2. Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cancer Accessed: 22 April 2026
  3. Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian Cancer Basics – What It Is. 12 September 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ovarian-cancer/about/ Accessed: 22 April 2026
  4. Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? World Ovarian Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-risks/ Accessed: 22 April 2026
  5. Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? World Ovarian Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-risks/ Accessed: 22 April 2026
  6. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? Last Reviewed: November 2025. Target Ovarian Cancer https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms Accessed: 22 April 2026
  7. Ovarian Cancer: Main Causes of Ovarian Cancer. Page Last Reviewed: 17 November 2025. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/causes/ Accessed: 22 April 2026
  8. Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer? World Ovarian Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-risks/ Accessed: 22 April 2026
  9. Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version: General Information About Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer – In the United States, ovarian cancer is the sixth-leading cause of death from cancer in women Updated: 08 May 2025. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/patient/ovarian-screening-pdq#section/_5 Accessed: 22 April 2026
  10. Ovarian Cancer: How Common It Is. Last Reviewed: 25 November 2024. Cancer Research UK https://about-cancer.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/what-is-ovarian-cancer Accessed: 22 April 2026
  11. Testing & Detection. World Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/ovarian-cancer/detection-testing/ Accessed: 22 April 2026
  12. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: What Are the Symptoms? Last Reviewed: November 2025. Target Ovarian Cancer https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms Accessed: 22 April 2026
Topic Last Updated: 07 August 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 22 April 2026

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