Ovarian Cancer

A cancer that begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries).

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and stomach. At this late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and can be fatal.

Ovarian cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. Later stages are associated with symptoms, but they can be non-specific, such as loss of appetite and weight loss.

Surgery and chemotherapy are generally used to treat 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.

Having used birth control pills for five or more years.
Having had a tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied), both ovaries removed, or a hysterectomy (an operation in which the uterus, and sometimes the cervix, is removed).
Having given birth.
Breastfeeding.

How to Detect?
How we can Help you

Ovarian cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. Later stages are associated with symptoms, but they can be non-specific, such as loss of appetite and weight loss.

Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation. Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.

Quick Connect For Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer FQAS

Should I be concerned if I feel pain in one or both ovaries?

Ovary pain is not a specific symptom of ovarian cancer, but you should talk to your doctor about any abdominal or pelvic pain you experience.

Are fibroids or ovarian cysts related to ovarian cancer?

Fibroids are not related to ovarian cancer, and most ovarian cysts are not cancerous (and will not develop into cancer). However, some complex ovarian cysts may be cancerous and should be monitored by your doctor.

Can you feel a lump with ovarian cancer?

You will not be able to detect an ovarian mass by yourself. During a screening, your doctor may perform an internal pelvic examination, in which he or she will insert a gloved hand into your vagina. The other gloved hand will gently press on your abdomen to feel for abnormalities.

What are the typical treatment options for ovarian cancer?

Treatment for ovarian cancer typically begins with surgery to remove visible signs of cancer, as well as organs that may be affected by cancerous cells, such as the ovaries. After your initial surgery, called debulking, your treatment may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or targeted therapy, which is designed to use drugs to attack cancer cells while reducing damage to normal cells.

Will ovarian cancer treatment affect my ability to have a baby?

Even if your cancer doesn’t require the removal of one or both of your ovaries, your treatment may damage the ovaries, which produce the eggs needed for reproduction. If you are of childbearing age and want to protect your ability to get pregnant, ask your gynaecologic oncologist for advice on fertility preservation options like ovarian cortex cryopreservation, which involves freezing the ovarian tissue before treatment.