Ovarian cancer
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer can start in the cells of an ovary, but the most common type is thought to start in the cells of a fallopian tube. Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers are staged and treated the same as epithelial ovarian cancer.
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
Common signs and symptoms of ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain or changes in bowel and bladder habits.
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer can be diagnosed or ruled out by tests such as a transvaginal ultrasound and biopsy when symptoms are present.
Grading ovarian cancer
Grading describes how cancer cells look compared to healthy cells. Low-grade ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancers tend to grow more slowly and are less likely to spread than high-grade cancers.
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, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer is the FIGO system.
If ovarian cancer spreads
Ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer can spread (metastasize) to the uterus, lymph nodes or liver.
Prognosis and survival in ovarian cancer
Prognosis estimates the outcome for ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. It depends on many factors including stage, tumour type and grade.
Survival statistics for ovarian cancer
Treatments for ovarian cancer
Surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatments for ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer. Targeted therapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy may also be offered.
Supportive care for ovarian cancer
Supportive care helps with the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer.
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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