Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The cells can grow into surrounding tissues or organs and may spread to other areas of the body.
There are different types of ovarian cancer. The type of ovarian cancer you have depends on the type of cell it starts in.
The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system, which is made up of the:
vulva
vagina
womb or uterus (which includes the cervix)
fallopian tubes
ovaries
There are 2 ovaries, one on each side of the body. The ovaries produce an egg each month in women of childbearing age.
This video shows more detail about the female reproductive system. It is 1 minute and 50 seconds long.
Women are able to have children between puberty (when the periods start) and the (or change of life, when the periods stop). The age when periods start and stop varies a great deal.
In the middle of each (mid way between periods), one of the ovaries releases an egg. It travels down the fallopian tube to the womb. The lining of the womb gets thicker and thicker, ready to receive a fertilised egg. If the egg is not fertilised by sperm, the thickened lining of the womb is shed as a period. Then the whole cycle begins again.
The ovaries also produce the female sex hormones. These are:
oestrogen
progesterone
The ovaries produce these hormones throughout the years when women can become pregnant. The hormones control the menstrual cycle. As you get older and closer to menopause, the ovaries make less and less of these hormones and periods eventually stop.
Ovarian hormones also help to protect the heart and bones. And maintain brain and immune system health.
The ovaries produce a small amount of the male hormone testosterone. It is not completely clear what role testosterone has in women. But doctors think it helps with muscle and bone strength. And it may have a role in a woman’s sex drive (libido).
The ovaries are made up of different types of cells. The type of ovarian cancer you have depends on the type of cell it starts in.
The main types of ovarian cancer are:
epithelial ovarian cancers which start in the surface layer which covers the ovary, fallopian tube or
germ cell ovarian cancer which begins in the cells that develop into eggs
sex cord stromal cancers which begin in the tissues that support the ovaries and produce hormones
Knowing which type of ovarian cancer you have helps your doctors decide what treatment you need.
Find out more about the types of ovarian cancer
Around 7,600 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK each year. This makes ovarian cancer the 6th most common cancer in women.
Ovarian cancer can affect anyone born with female reproductive organs including the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This includes women, transgender men and non-binary people.
Your risk of developing ovarian cancer increases as you get older. The risk is greatest in those aged between 75 and 79.
We don't know exactly what causes ovarian cancer. But some factors may increase or reduce the risk.
Last reviewed: 25 Nov 2024
Next review due: 25 Nov 2027
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can include a swollen or painful tummy, loss of appetite or urinary changes.
Factors that increase the risk of ovarian cancer include getting older and inherited faulty genes.
Most ovarian cancers start in the cells covering the ovaries and are called epithelial ovarian cancers. Other rare types include germ cell tumours, stromal tumours and sarcomas.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They might refer you to a specialist and organise tests.
The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. Your treatment depends on several factors including your cancer stage and grade.
Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
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