ovarian cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 19,880 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer this year.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month — the time of year when survivors, their loved ones, and the medical community alike work to educate women about this gynecologic cancer.

Ovarian cancer will cause more than 12,000 deaths this year alone.

When the cancer is found in the early stages, 93 percent of ovarian cancer patients live five years or longer.

So why is this disease claiming so many women? Ovarian cancer lacks a medically accurate tool to provide early detection. In fact, only 20 percent of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in the early stages.

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Facts About Ovarian Cancer

Learn the facts on ovarian cancer.

Preventing Ovarian Cancer

Women must know the risk factors of ovarian cancer and pay careful attention to changes in their bodies. All women are at risk for developing ovarian cancer, but the following can increase your risk:

  • Carrying BRCA gene mutation
  • Advanced age
  • Being of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
  • Family history of ovarian cancer

When to See Your Doctor If You Suspect Ovarian Cancer:

  • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Fatigue, back pain
  • Upset stomach or heartburn
  • Constipation or menstrual changes
  • Pain during intercourse

Ovarian cancer has a reputation as a “silent killer,” but hopefully, that reputation changes and more is done to raise awareness of the symptoms, warning signs, and risk factors of the disease.

In 2013, actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie shined a light on ovarian cancer when she made headlines in 2013, announcing that she planned to have her ovaries removed after discovering she had the BRCA1 gene. The presence of this gene meant that she had a 50 percent risk of developing this type of cancer and prompted her to plan to have her ovaries removed.

It’s important that all women understand their risk for developing ovarian cancer and take steps to decrease their risks. To learn more about ovarian cancer and the latest developments in the field, visit the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center website or call 412-647-2811.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .

About UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

When you are facing cancer, you need the best care possible. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment, to help you in your cancer battle. We are the only comprehensive cancer center in our region, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. We have more than 70 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York, with more than 200 oncologists – making it easier for you to find world-class care close to home. Our internationally renowned research team is striving to find new advances in prevention, detection, and treatment. Most of all, we are here for you. Our patient-first approach aims to provide you and your loved ones the care and support you need. To find a provider near you, visit our website.