Ovarian cancer

Information for the public

Women have two ovaries. The ovaries produce an egg every month in fertile women, and also produce the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women in England and Wales. It mostly affects women over 50, but it can occur in younger women. There are several types of ovarian cancer, depending on which parts of the ovary are affected. Most women with ovarian cancer have a type called epithelial ovarian cancer, in which the cancer starts in the cells that cover the surface of the ovary.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and similar to those associated with other conditions. However, there are a number of symptoms that do suggest ovarian cancer if they are experienced frequently and/or last a long time (see 'What should happen when you see your GP').

Most women with ovarian cancer are treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.