Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Risks and Treatments
According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. A woman’s chances of being diagnosed are 1 in 78.

Ovarian cancer most commonly manifests itself as an abdominal or pelvic mass. The mass is usually surgically removed through an abdominal incision (laparotomy). The surgery includes removal of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes and any visible area of cancer spread.
This surgery sometimes requires resection of a portion of intestine or lymph nodes. In some cases after surgery, the abdominal cavity will fill with fluid, called ascites, caused by the cancer. Patients are treated with chemotherapy after surgery.
Approximately 5-10% of ovarian cancers are considered hereditary. Hereditary cancer is more likely if there is at least one primary relative (mother, sister or daughter) under 50 years old who is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is more common in women who carry the BRCA gene mutation for breast cancer.
Since ovarian cancer is rare (1 in 80 women), screening programs have not been successful in detecting the disease. The best method for detecting ovarian cancer is a pelvic ultrasound for evaluation of the ovaries.
Overall, 25-30% of ovarian cancer is cured with surgery and chemotherapy. More than half of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive longer than five years.
In general, it takes four to six weeks to recover from major abdominal surgery to the point that normal activities can be resumed. Recovery time from vaginal surgery is typically shorter than that of abdominal surgery.
The UF Health Jacksonville cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons.
According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. A woman’s chances of being diagnosed are 1 in 78.
While ovarian cancer is not nearly as prevalent as breast cancer, it is just as concerning.