About 20,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, according to the American Cancer Society. While that may seem like a small number, nearly 13,000 women die from the disease annually, making ovarian cancer the 5th deadliest cancer among women.
“Unlike cancers that develop inside an organ, fallopian tubes and ovaries have no border separating them from the rest of the abdomen,” explains Erin J. Saks, MD, a Carilion Clinic Gynecologic Oncology physician. “That means it can spread before becoming large enough to cause symptoms, making it hard to diagnose at an early stage.”
Who’s at risk?
The average woman has about a 2% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. Any woman can develop ovarian cancer, but certain factors can increase your risk:
- Family history: About 20% of women with ovarian cancer got the risk passed down from their parents. A family history of ovarian cancer or premenopausal breast cancer increases risk. This is often related to changes in the BRCA genes or Lynch syndrome.
- Reproductive history: Women who have never been pregnant or given birth have a higher risk.
- Health history: Conditions like endometriosis and infertility raise the risk.
- Age: Most women with ovarian cancer are over 60, but some rare types can affect younger women and teens.
Can you prevent it?
There are no effective screening tests for ovarian cancer, but some things do lower your risk. These include:
- Reproductive history: Things that stop or reduce ovulation—like pregnancies, breastfeeding and hormonal birth control—reduce risk. Taking birth control pills for at least 5 years cuts your risk of ovarian cancer by about 50%.
- Surgical history: Getting your tubes tied (tubal ligation) or having your uterus removed (hysterectomy) can lower risk, even if your ovaries aren’t removed.
- Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces risk.
Possible symptoms of ovarian cancer
“Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle at first,” says Dr. Saks. If you notice any of these symptoms lasting more than a few weeks, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor:
- Bloating or a full feeling that’s getting worse
- Loss of appetite and weight loss, especially with abdominal swelling
- Pelvic pressure or abdominal pain
- Frequent urination or having a hard time emptying your bladder
- Constipation or other changes in bowel function
If you have questions about your risk or concerning symptoms, reach out to your family doctor or women’s health specialist.
