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According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, www.ovarian.org , ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the cells that constitute the ovaries, including surface epithelial cells, germ cells and the sex cord-stromal cells. Cancer cells that metastasize from other organ sites to the ovary (most commonly breast or colon cancers) are not considered ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer accounts for four percent of all cancers among women and ranks fifth as a cause of their deaths from cancer. Unfortunately, almost 70 percent of women with the common epithelial ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until the disease is advanced in stage—i.e., has spread to the upper abdomen (stage III) or beyond (stage IV). There are many types of tumors that can start in the ovaries. Some are benign, or noncancerous, and the patient can be cured by surgically removing one ovary or the part of the ovary containing the tumor. Some are malignant or cancerous. The treatment options and the outcome for the patient depend on the type of ovarian cancer and how far it has spread before it is diagnosed. For more information about ovarian cancer, visit: For more information you can also contact the Cancer Information Service (CIS) Provides accurate, up-to-date information on cancer to patients and their families, health professionals, and the general public. Information specialists translate the latest scientific information into understandable language and respond in English, Spanish, or on TTY equipment. Toll-free: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) TTY: 1-800-332-8615 |
