Ovarian Colorado
Information for the Public
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Cancer develops when normal cells in the body become abnormal and grow without control. In most cases, the abnormal cells will form a growth or tumor, however, not all tumors are cancerous or malignant. Because of the growth of a cancerous tumor, organs of the body can be damaged. Cancers can also spread from their original location to other parts of the body by a process referred to as metastases.
The ovaries are part of the female reproductive organs. The ovaries produce eggs, which can be fertilized to begin a pregnancy. Another important function of the ovaries is to produce hormones which influence a woman’s menstrual cycles and her general health. In the U.S., the incidence of cancer of the ovary (ovarian cancer) ranks second among all gynecologic cancers. It also causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer.
The cause of ovarian cancer is not yet well understood. There may be lifestyle, diet, environmental and hereditary factors that influence whether a woman will develop this type of cancer.
Colorado Facts
In Colorado, the cumulative lifetime risk for ovarian cancer is 1 in 52. In women with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer, that risk increases significantly. Another risk is advancing age. Each year in Colorado, approximately 350 new cases of ovarian cancer are found.
Ovarian cancer incidence rates are considerably lower for Black women.
Early detection is associated with longer survival rates. The five year survival rate for ovarian cancer has improved for both early and later stage disease.
The general 5 year survival rate is approximately 50%, however, it varies greatly depending on whether the cancer was diagnosed at an early stage or at a more advanced stage.
For more detailed information regarding the development of ovarian cancer, how it is diagnosed and treatments for ovarian cancer, please see the ‘Patient’s’ section.
