This article originally ran March. 5, 2018, and was updated February 23, 2026.
You often hear how important it is to be screened for cancer, such as getting a mammogram or colonoscopy. But when it comes to ovarian cancer, there is no screening.
In the United States, ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer and the sixth-leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Because of the lack of screening and the fact that symptoms are vague, ovarian cancer is typically not found until it’s in an advanced stage.
“It’s almost like going zero to 100; there’s not really an in-between when you can say, ‘I can capture this early,’” says UNC Health gynecologic oncologist Linda Van Le, MD.
That means the best way to protect yourself is to know the symptoms and your family history, and to talk to your doctor about your risk.
Knowing Your Family History Can Help Prevent Ovarian Cancer
Although most cases of ovarian cancer are sporadic, meaning there’s no family history of the disease, heredity can play a role.
“Do you have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family? If you do, then have a discussion with your physician about whether you need genetic counseling,” Dr. Van Le says.
If genetic testing reveals a mutation in a woman’s BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which indicates a heightened risk of ovarian cancer, surgery is typically recommended, Dr. Van Le says. About 40 to 60 percent of women with a BRCA1 gene mutation and 15 to 30 percent of women with a BRCA2 mutation will develop ovarian cancer compared with a 1 to 2 percent risk in the general population.
Preventive surgery includes the removal of both ovaries and the fallopian tubes; women who want to have children in the future can make a plan with their doctor to protect their fertility and reduce their cancer risk.
“Probably the only way to prevent ovarian cancer is undergoing risk-reducing surgery when the mutation is identified,” Dr. Van Le says. “These are the patients we can really help.”
There is evidence that taking birth control medication, either in oral pill form or via an IUD, can reduce ovarian cancer risk. Wider use of oral contraceptives may be one reason why ovarian cancer has declined in recent decades. Having biological children and breastfeeding can also reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The early warning signs of ovarian cancer can be subtle and might mimic other illnesses, including those related to gastrointestinal issues and menstruation.
“As ovarian cancer develops, not much is detectable because the ovary is so small,” Dr. Van Le says. “But as the cancer grows and more organs become involved, symptoms become apparent.”
The most common warning signs of ovarian cancer are:
- Bloating
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
The following may also occur:
- Urinary incontinence such as urgency (always feeling like you have to go) or frequency (going often)
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn and constipation
- Menstrual changes
- Pain during sex
Because ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague, it can be hard to know when to go to the doctor. A key indication that something more serious is happening is that the symptoms are especially painful or occur more often.
Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is typically treated with surgery, and chemotherapy is added if the disease is advanced.
Because ovarian cancer tends to happen to women after they’ve gone through menopause, a hysterectomy is usually performed to take out the uterus. Cancerous ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed. “Any piece of cancer we find, we should take out,” Dr. Van Le says.
In recent years, targeted therapies to kill tumor cells, such as antibody-drug conjugates, have been shown to be effective, as has immunotherapy in certain cases.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that you think could be related to ovarian cancer, remember that many conditions can cause these symptoms, but talk to your doctor promptly to be sure.
If you have questions about your cancer risk, talk to your doctor or find one near you.