Ovarian cancer
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer starts in the cells of the ovary or ovaries.
Risk for ovarian cancer
Risks for epithelial ovarian cancer include having a family history of ovarian cancer and BRCA gene mutations. Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer share many of the same risks as epithelial ovarian cancer.
Finding ovarian cancer early
The best way to find ovarian cancer early is to recognize symptoms and have a personal plan for testing if you have a higher risk.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding and a lump felt in the pelvic or abdominal area. Learn about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Tests to diagnose ovarian cancer, such as transvaginal ultrasound and biopsy, are done when symptoms are present. Learn about diagnosing ovarian cancer.
Grading ovarian cancer
Grading is a way of classifying ovarian cancer cells based on their appearance and behaviour. To find out the grade of a tumour, a biopsy sample is examined under a microscope. A grade is given based on how the cancer cells look and behave compared with normal cells (differentiation).
Stages of ovarian cancer
Staging is a way of describing or classifying a cancer based on the extent of cancer in the body. The most common staging system for ovarian cancer is the FIGO system.
If ovarian cancer spreads
Cancer cells have the potential to spread from the ovary to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural).
Prognosis and survival in ovarian cancer
Women with ovarian cancer may have questions about their prognosis and survival. Prognosis and survival depend on many factors. Only a doctor familiar with a person’s medical history, type of cancer, stage, characteristics of the cancer, treatments chosen and response to treatment can put all of this information together with survival statistics to arrive at a prognosis.
Treatments for ovarian cancer
Treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. Learn about treatment plans and options for ovarian cancer.
Supportive care for ovarian cancer
Supportive care helps women meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of ovarian cancer. It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help meet the needs and improve the quality of life of women living with cancer and their loved ones, especially after treatment has ended.
Ovarian cancer statistics
Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from ovarian cancer in a certain time frame.
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