Ovarian Cancer Facts

For most women, early-stage ovarian cancer generates a characteristic cluster of symptoms that occurs primarily in the gastrointestinal system.

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer are not recognized during the self-care phase as potential indicators of ovarian malignancy activation.

Primary healthcare providers misdiagnose early symptoms of ovarian cancer 70%–75% of the time.

The self-monitoring of symptoms is one delay-reduction strategy.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of female cancer deaths in the United States.

It is the most common cause of death from gynecologic cancer.

Estimated 23,300 new cases in 2002

Estimated 13,900 deaths in 2002

Five-year survival rates approach 95% when confined to the ovary.

Only 26% of ovarian cancers are detected when confined to the ovary.

The five-year survival rate for advanced ovarian cancer is 29%.

Caucasian women have the highest incidence and mortality rates from ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death in industrialized nations.

Scandinavian countries have high incidence rates of ovarian cancer.

Last updated Nov 26/06