Ovarian cancer: Symptoms and Treatments

What is cervical cancer?

Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum grow in an uncontrolled way.^1,2

The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system, located on each side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone.^1,2

The ovaries are mainly made up of three types of cells:²

Epithelial cells, which form the outer layer of tissues around the ovary
Germ cells, which form the eggs
Stromal cells, which form the structural tissue cells in the ovaries

Types of ovarian cancer

While there are many types of ovarian cancer, the three most common are:^1-4

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC): the most common type, making up around 90% of cases. This cancer develops in cells on the outside of the ovary or in nearby areas such as the fallopian tubes.
Germ Cell Tumors: a less common type, making up around 4% of cases. These cancers develop in the cells that produce eggs.
Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors: a rare type of ovarian cancer. These cancers develop in the supporting tissues of the ovary, which also help produce hormones.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

There are often no obvious signs of ovarian cancer; however, you may have one or more of the following symptoms.^1-4

abdominal bloating
difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
frequent or urgent urination
back, abdominal or pelvic pain
constipation or diarrhoea
menstrual irregularities
tiredness
indigestion
pain during intercourse
unexplained weight loss or weight gain

If you are experiencing anything unusual or have any concerns, always speak with your doctor.

Causes and risk factors for ovarian cancer

Some factors that can increase the risk of ovarian cancer include.^1,3,4

age (risk increases in women over 50)
a family history of ovarian, breast or bowel cancer
changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
starting periods early (before age 12) or reaching menopause later in life
not having children, or having a first child after age 35
using oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy or fertility treatment

Some factors that may reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer include.^1,3,4

using the oral contraceptive pill for several years
having the fallopian tubes tied or removed
having children before age 35 and breastfeeding

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Diagnosing ovarian cancer

A number of tests may be used to investigate symptoms of ovarian cancer and confirm a diagnosis. The most common tests include:^1-4

A physical examination of the abdomen and pelvis, which may include a rectal examination
Imaging tests of the pelvis and abdomen, such as transvaginal ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or positron emission tomography (PET) scans
Chest X-rays
Blood tests to check tumour markers, full blood count, and levels of certain chemicals in the blood
Use of an endoscope to look inside the gastrointestinal tract, such as during a colonoscopy
Surgery to see the tumour and take tissue samples (biopsy) to diagnose and/or stage the cancer
Molecular and genetic tests to look for inherited gene changes that may help guide treatment

The only way to confirm ovarian cancer is through a biopsy, which is usually performed during surgery. During this procedure, a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. The surgeon will also collect samples of any fluid in the abdomen, which are used to determine the stage of the cancer.

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Treatment options for ovarian cancer

There are various treatment options available, and your doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your diagnosis and personal circumstances.

Broadly, factors that may influence a treatment approach include the stage of the cancer, your age, and whether you would like to have children in the future. With epithelial ovarian cancer, genetic factors may also be considered when planning treatment. ^1-4

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.

Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may be offered in the early stages of cancer treatment or after it has started to spread. There are different radiation therapy techniques that may be suitable for different cancer types at different stages.

Radiation Therapy

Surgery

Surgical intervention can be used in some cases to remove the cervix, uterus, and surrounding tissue. Your doctor will consider whether surgical intervention is appropriate for you.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses medications that are designed to target and help kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Treatment side effects

All cancer treatments can cause side effects, and the type and severity will vary between individuals. You should ask your doctor for detailed information about the possible side effects of any treatment recommended for you.

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Support services

Cancer Council Australia

Australia's leading cancer charity, Cancer Council aims to lead a cohesive approach to reduce the impact of cancer.

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Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation (AGCF)

AGCF funds research into all types of gynaecological cancers to improve screening, treatment, and outcomes for women.

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Australian Cancer Research Foundation

ACRF funds cutting-edge cancer research by providing scientists with advanced technology and infrastructure.

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References

Cancer Council Australia. (2024, May). Ovarian cancer: Signs, symptoms and diagnosis. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer
Australian Government, Cancer Australia. (2025, July 17). Ovarian cancer. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer
Ovarian Cancer Australia. (n.d.). Types of ovarian cancer. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/types-of-ovarian-cancer
Australian Government, Cancer Australia. (2025, April 3). How is ovarian cancer diagnosed? Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer/how-ovarian-cancer-diagnosed

Disclaimer:

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.

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