Skip to main content

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Discover Women's Health Research

Ovarian Cancer and NIH Women's Health Research

Signs, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

The most common type of ovarian cancer is ovarian epithelial cancer. 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 lack of early, distinctive symptoms often delays the diagnosis for ovarian cancer.2

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

Diagnosis and Treatment

No definitive diagnostic tests for ovarian cancer currently exist; diagnosing this condition requires a biopsy and a histopathological examination of the specimen.3 Reliable early screening techniques are needed for ovarian cancer. Treating ovarian cancer usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or a combination of different therapies.1

Ongoing Research

Researchers are studying blood-based biomarkers, genetic risk models, and advanced data-analysis methods to improve the early detection of ovarian cancer.4 , 5 Because current screening methods have not been shown to reduce the number of ovarian cancer deaths among women who are at average risk, some studies are focusing on identifying women who may benefit from more targeted screening or prevention.4 , 6 Other research is evaluating whether removing the fallopian tubes and delaying the removal of the ovaries can reduce ovarian cancer risk while postponing premature menopause.7 Researchers are also examining the long-term effects of ovary removal on cardiovascular, bone, cognitive, and mental health and how hormone therapy or other follow-up care may reduce these effects.8

NIH Research Highlight

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.9

  1. Ovarian epithelial, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer treatment (PDQ ® )-health professional version. National Cancer Institute. Updated May 14, 2025. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/hp/ovarian-epithelial-treatment-pdq
  2. MedlinePlus. Ovarian cancer. National Library of Medicine. Updated August 3, 2026. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/ovariancancer.html
  3. Li X, Li Z, Ma H, et al. Ovarian cancer: diagnosis and treatment strategies (review). Oncol Lett. 2024;28(3):441. doi:10.3892/ol.2024.14574. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11294909/
  4. Wentzensen N, Ring K, Erickson BK, et al. Ovarian cancer risk prediction: a clinical epidemiology perspective. Am J Epidemiol. 2025;194(5):1182-1191. doi:10.1093/aje/kwae293. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13070521/
  5. Abrego L, Zaikin A, Marino IP, et al. Bayesian and deep-learning models applied to the early detection of ovarian cancer using multiple longitudinal biomarkers. Cancer Med. 2024;13(7):e7163. doi:10.1002/cam4.7163. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11004913/
  6. Sideris M, Menon U, Manchanda R. Screening and prevention of ovarian cancer. Med J Aust. 2024;220(5):264-274. doi:10.5694/mja2.52227. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7617385/
  7. Advances in ovarian cancer research. National Cancer Institute. Updated May 17, 2024. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/research
  8. Hassan H, Allen I, Sofianopoulou E, et al. Long-term outcomes of hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2024;230(1):44-57. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2023.06.043. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37364803/
  9. About. Ovarian Cancer Cohort Consortium. Updated 2025. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://www.theoc3.org/about/

Learn More About NIH Resources for Ovarian Cancer Research

NIH-Awarded Projects

Clinical Trials

Common Data Elements

Scientific Literature

Patient Education Summary

Last updated: 10/02/2026