Our Centres
Our Doctors
Your state: SA |
Our Centres
Our Doctors
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
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.
- 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.
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
Make an enquiry
Contact us today to find out how GenesisCare can help you.
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.
Find a doctor
Search for ovarian cancer specialists in your state.
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 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.
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.
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 uses medications that are designed to target and help kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
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.
Find a centre
Search for consulting and treatment locations near you.
Support services
Cancer Council Australia
Australia's leading cancer charity, Cancer Council aims to lead a cohesive approach to reduce the impact of cancer.
Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation (AGCF)
AGCF funds research into all types of gynaecological cancers to improve screening, treatment, and outcomes for women.
Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation (ACCF)
ACCF is the only consumer-focused cancer charity in Australia dedicated exclusively to preventing cervical cancer and to supporting all individuals impacted by a cancer in cervix and cervical abnormalities.
- 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
You are leaving our website
You are now leaving our website. GenesisCare do not control this content and therefore are not responsible for its accuracy or reliability.
You are leaving our website
You are now leaving our website. GenesisCare do not control this content and therefore are not responsible for its accuracy or reliability.