Background information

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer for women in the UK, with around 7,400 diagnoses each year. Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is important for patient outcomes. Cancer Research UK have found that the five-year net survival rate decreased from 93% when the cancer was diagnosed at stage 1 to 13% when diagnosed at stage 4. However, unfortunately, most women are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease.

Stages of cancer

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed at one of four stages; the higher the stage, the further the cancer has spread inside the body. Treatment depends on the type, stage and grade of ovarian cancer with which the patient is diagnosed.

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Stage 1

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Stage 2

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Stage 3

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Stage 4

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Risk factors and protective factors associated with ovarian cancer

Test your knowledge of the key risk factors below.

Link: Understanding your diagnosis, Ovarian Cancer Action (2020)
Link: Stages and grades, Cancer Research UK (2019)
Link: Types of ovarian cancer, Cancer Research UK (2018)
Link: Hereditary ovarian cancer: a guide for GPs, Ovarian Cancer Action (2017)
Link: Ovarian cancer information guide for Healthcare Professionals, Ovarian Cancer Action (2014)
Link: Lynch syndrome: Everything you need to know, Ovarian Cancer Action (2020)
Link: What are genetic mutations, Ovarian Cancer Action (2020)
Link: Ovarian cancer statistics, Cancer Research UK (2020)