Ovarian Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in 2009, and that 14,600 women died of ovarian cancer in the same time period. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in women. While the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancers that have not spread beyond the ovary is 93%, less than 20% of ovarian cancers are found at this stage, which accounts for the significant number of ovarian cancer deaths annually.

Ovarian cancer can arise in the cells that cover the ovary (epithelial tumors), cell that produce eggs (germ cell tumors) or hormone-producing connective tissue cells (stromal tumors).  About 85%-90% of ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors. Germ cell tumors and stromal tumors account for less than 2% and 1% of ovarian cancers, respectively.

Age is a risk factor for developing ovarian cancer, and 50% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in women over 63 years of age. Weight is also a risk factor, with obese women at higher risk for both developing and dying from ovarian cancer. Other risk factors include the use of fertility drugs, estrogen therapy, family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer, specific genetic mutations, and a personal history of breast cancer.

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, which may be used in combination, are the primary approaches to treating ovarian cancer.

Adapted from the American Cancer Society’s “Detailed Guide: Ovarian Cancer”

Related Clinical Trials