Ovarian Cancer Topic Guide

Ovarian cancer often does not cause symptoms early on and it is diagnosed in later stages. About 30% of women live 10 years or more following diagnosis, depending on when the cancer is detected, how much it has spread (metastasized), patient age and health, and how the cancer responds to treatment.

Ovarian cancer occurs when tumors in the female reproductive organs, the ovaries, grow out of control. Doctors aren't sure what causes ovarian cancer, but heredity plays a role. Symptoms include: Pelvic pain or pressure, Pain with intercourse, Abdominal swelling and bloating, Urinary frequency, Constipation, Ascites (collection of fluid in the abdomen), Loss of appetite, Feeling full after eating little, Gas and/or diarrhea, Nausea and vomiting, and Abnormalities in menstruation. Treatment may include surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer that may be present in stage 1 and later include pelvic pain, bloating, loss of appetite, urinary problems, painful sexual intercourse and other symptoms.

There is no exact cause as to what leads to ovarian cancer. However, scientists have come up with several theories linked with ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a cancer of the ovaries caused by an abnormal growth of cells. Only about 20% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage because it often doesn't have early symptoms or warning signs. If there are any symptoms early on, they may include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating, feeling full quickly, and urinary problems.