What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that affects one or both ovaries. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cancer among women.

Compared to other forms of cancer, ovarian cancer is more difficult to detect during its early stages. Therefore, women need to pay special attention when ovarian cancer symptoms start to appear.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Depending on where the cancer cells originate, ovarian cancer can be classified into 3 different types:

• Epithelial Tumors: Cancer starts from the tissue that covers the outer layer of the ovary. This accounts for about 90% of all ovarian cancers.
• Germ Cell Tumors: Cancer starts from the cells that produce the eggs. This accounts for about 5% of all ovarian cancers.
• Stromal Tumors: Cancer starts from the connective cells that hold the ovary together and produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This accounts for about 3% of all ovarian cancers.

Ovarian Cancer Survival Rate

The 5-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer in the US is 45.5%, according to the National Cancer Institute.

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