Ovarian cancer is rare, but it can be dangerous. In 2024, approximately 20,000 people will be diagnosed with this type of cancer, and close to 13,000 people will die from it, making it one of the lead causes of cancer deaths among women, according to the American Cancer Society.

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to ovarian cancer is that it’s often diagnosed in advanced stages, making it difficult to treat. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness about ovarian cancer so that you can recognize any potential signs and symptoms early and talk to your doctor.

Here are some things to know.

  1. Ovarian cancer starts when cells grow abnormally in the ovaries, which are the two organs in the female reproductive system where eggs grow. But ovarian cancer can also originate in nearby areas, such as the fallopian tubes (which eggs pass through on each side of the uterus) or the peritoneum, which is tissue that lines the abdomen and covers the uterus, bladder and rectum. If it’s not caught and treated successfully, ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs and tissues in the liver.
  2. There are signs and symptoms to look for. But most of the symptoms can also overlap with symptoms of other common health conditions. Because of that, it’s important to be familiar with the potential indicators and take it seriously when something in your body feels different. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the following, and says that if you experience any of these for two weeks or longer to see your doctor:
    • Vaginal bleeding or discharge that’s not normal for you (especially if you’ve gone through menopause)
    • Pressure or pain in your pelvic area
    • Pain in your abdominal or back
    • Bloating
    • Feeling full quickly when eating, or difficulty eating
    • Alterations in your bathroom habits, whether it’s more frequent urination, a new urgency to urinate or constipation
  1. There’s no routine screening test for ovarian cancer. Unlike cervical cancer (which can be detected with a Pap smear), or breast cancer (which can be detected with a mammogram), or colon cancer (which can be detected with a colonoscopy), there’s not a standard or recommended screening test for ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam may reveal abnormalities and prompt a physician to do further tests, such as an ultrasound or CT to collect images of the abdomen. A blood test may also detect a protein, called CA-125, that is associated with cancer cells. Generally, these are tests that are performed after a patient shares concerns about symptoms with a provider, such as an OB-GYN.
  2. Because there’s no routine screening, and because symptoms can be vague, ovarian cancer is often caught at a later stage. That, in turn, can make treatment challenging. Fewer than one-quarter (24%) of ovarian cancers are detected in the early stages, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Further, 75-80% of cases are considered advanced stage by the time patients experience symptoms and seek help.
  3. Some factors may raise your risk. According to the American Cancer Society certain people are more likely than others to develop ovarian cancer. Factors that may increase risk include:
    • Age. Older people are more likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. People who are 63 or older account for half of all ovarian cancer diagnoses.
    • Weight. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to be diagnosed with a number of different types of cancer, and that may include ovarian cancer.
    • Not having children, or having children later in life. People who had children after age 35, or who have never given birth may face a higher risk.
    • People who take hormones following menopause. They tend to face an increased risk compared to those who don’t use hormones.
    • People with a family history of different cancers. If you have a mother, sister or daughter who has had ovarian cancer, breast cancer or colorectal cancer, or if you have had breast cancer, yourself, you may face an increased risk.
  1. People with certain gene mutations may also face a higher risk. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as the genes associated with Lynch syndrome, may indicate that you are more susceptible to ovarian cancer, according to the CDC.
  2. There also may be ways to lower your risk. The CDC states that it may not be possible to prevent ovarian cancer, but there are steps that you can take that may help lower your risk. Those include:
    • Taking birth control pills for at least five years.
    • Undergoing certain surgeries that remove parts of the reproductive system, including a tubal ligation, having your ovaries and/or fallopian tubes removed or having a hysterectomy.
    • Giving birth.
    • Breastfeeding for a year or more.
  1. Ovarian cysts can have symptoms similar to ovarian cancer. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in or on an ovary. These are common and may go away on their own without a person ever knowing they were there. In some cases, however, they can cause mild to serious symptoms and raise concerns about cancer. If you feel any pelvic pain, pressure, heaviness or bloating that feels unusual or unexpected, make an appointment with your primary care doctor or gynecologist.
  2. Ovarian cancer diagnoses have been decreasing, but there’s still a lot of research and education needed. Between 2015 and 2019, cases fell 3% per year, according to the American Cancer Society, which attributes the decline to an increase in the use of birth control and a decrease in the use of menopausal hormone therapy. Fewer people are also dying because of ovarian cancer, which is likely attributable to improved treatments.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to spread the word about this kind of cancer in order to raise awareness and fund research in hopes of getting closer to a cure. If you’re due for a health exam, make an appointment and talk to your doctor about any concerns you have today.