Ovarian Cancer

diagram of ovaryWhat is ovarian cancer?

When cancer starts in the ovaries, it is called ovarian cancer. Women have two ovaries that are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries make female hormones and produce eggs.

Who gets ovarian cancer?

All women are at risk for ovarian cancer, but older women are more likely to get the disease than younger women. About 90 percent of women who get ovarian cancer are older than 40. The greatest number of ovarian cancers occurs in women aged 60 years or older. Women who have had both ovaries removed have a much lower risk of ovarian cancer.

Each year, approximately 19,880 women in the United States get ovarian cancer.

Symptoms
Risk Factors
Prevention
Genetic testing

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Inside Knowledge: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer campaign

Learn about the types of gynecologic cancers and their symptoms