Ovarian Cancer Overview

The most common type of ovarian cancer is ovarian epithelial cancer. It is worth noting that two related types of cancer (fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer) arise from the same type of tissue and require similar treatments as ovarian epithelial cancer.¹

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer generally appear later in the course of the disease and may include abdominal or pelvic pain and swelling, gastrointestinal problems, and the sudden or frequent need to urinate. This often delays the diagnosis for ovarian cancer.² In addition, there are currently no definitive diagnostic tests for ovarian cancer; diagnosing this condition requires a biopsy and a histopathological examination of the specimen.³ Reliable early screening techniques are needed for ovarian cancer.

Like many cancers, older age is a risk factor for ovarian cancer. Having a family history of ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or certain inherited conditions (e.g., hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Certain variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are also associated with a higher risk of some cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer.¹

Treating ovarian cancer usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or a combination of different therapies.¹

As part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cohort Consortium, the Ovarian Cancer Cohort Consortium (OC3) aims to better understand the risks associated with ovarian cancer and promote early detection of this disease. This international consortium currently includes 20 on-going cohort studies that will provide data on ovarian cancer risk factors, biomarkers, and outcomes among women with different cancer subtypes.⁴