Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer involves abnormal cell growth within the ovary and surrounding tissues.

This cancer can be hard to diagnose as symptoms are often dismissed or attributed to other issues.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Singapore.¹

Ovarian cancer can be one of three types: ¹

• Epithelial– which can involve either one or both ovaries, where cancer cells grow on the outside of the ovary. This type of ovarian cancer is the most common form, accounting for approximately 90% of ovarian cancers.²
• Germ cell – involves the cells that produce the eggs, and account for approximately 4% of all ovarian cancers.²
• Stromal tumour – involves the tissues that support the ovary in producing oestrogen and progesterone hormones. This type of ovarian cancer is very rare.²

In some cases ovarian cancer is due to mutations in the genes BRCA 1 (Breast Cancer 1) and BRCA 2 (Breast Cancer 2). Mutations in these genes are also involved in the increased risk of breast cancer.⁶ 

Approximately 15% of ovarian cancers can be explained by these gene mutations. ⁶

Ovarian cancer is typically staged using the FIGO (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics) system.⁹