Ovarian cancer remains a significant health issue for women, often going undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. According to the American Cancer Society, this year an estimated 20,890 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 12,730 are expected to die from the disease.
Dr. Ruth D. Stephenson, a Gynecologic Oncologist at RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, emphasized the importance of early detection. “All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age,” she said. “If women suspect something isn’t right, for any reason, they shouldn’t hesitate. Early detection is their greatest asset.”
Common symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly after eating, loss of appetite, urinary or bowel changes, unusual fatigue, and unexplained weight loss lasting beyond a few weeks. The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer exceeds 90 percent when detected at Stage I before it spreads beyond the ovaries; survival rates decrease if found later.
Treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible followed by chemotherapy. Additional treatments may include targeted therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates or drugs that address specific genetic mutations like BRCA.
Research is ongoing to improve early detection methods. New blood tests that combine protein and lipid markers with machine learning have demonstrated over 90% accuracy in detecting ovarian cancer across all stages in symptomatic women. Other studies are investigating whether urine or self-collected vaginal samples can detect molecular changes associated with the disease.
Disparities in diagnosis have also been noted; Black and Native American women were about 23% less likely than White patients to have elevated CA-125 levels—a common marker for ovarian cancer—at diagnosis.
Dr. Stephenson encourages proactive steps: “Knowing your family history of ovarian and breast cancers, listening to your body, and asking the right questions are among your strongest tools,” she said.
Women who are older; those with personal or family histories of ovarian, breast or certain other cancers; individuals carrying genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2; and those who have never been pregnant or had fewer pregnancies may face higher risks. Since there is no standard screening test for ovarian cancer currently available, regular health visits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle remain important preventive measures.
Awareness of symptoms and prompt consultation with healthcare providers can lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes. Dr. Stephenson noted: “At RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, we offer comprehensive care and treatment plans tailored to each woman’s needs. Patients have access to innovative clinical trials, many of which are not available elsewhere.”
