Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a tumour that forms in the ovaries; the most common type starts in the cells that cover the ovary.
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Umbrella organisations (they connect national groups)
- ENGAGe - European Network of Gynaecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ESGO)Umbrella organisation
ESGO network of 80+ gynaecological cancer patient groups; member list with country filter.
- EURACAN – ERN for rare adult solid cancersUmbrella organisation
European network of expert centres for rare adult cancers, including brain tumours; your doctor can bring your case to it.
- European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC)Umbrella organisation
Umbrella of European cancer patient groups, with a patient toolbox and a legal network for cancer patients.
- International Gynecologic Cancer Advocacy NetworkUmbrella organisation
Advocacy network of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society: annual advocacy summit, education, advocacy directory; free patient education for survivors and carers
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- European Patients' Forum (EPF)Umbrella organisation
Umbrella of European patient organisations and national patient coalitions.
- International Alliance of Patients' OrganizationsUmbrella organisation
Global alliance of patient organisations of all diseases, promoting patient-centred healthcare.
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About Ovarian cancer
What is ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer forms in the tissue of the ovary. The most common type starts in the cells that cover the ovary. Fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer form in the same kind of tissue and are treated the same way, so they are often counted as forms of ovarian cancer. Inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes raise the risk. About 20 in every 100 ovarian cancers are hereditary.
What are the signs?
Early ovarian cancer often has no signs, so it is frequently advanced by the time symptoms appear. Possible signs include:
- pain, swelling or pressure in the belly or pelvis;
- a sudden or frequent need to pass urine;
- trouble eating, or feeling full quickly;
- a lump in the pelvis;
- wind, bloating or constipation.
These can have other causes too. See a doctor if they last or get worse.
Current treatment
Surgery + platinum chemo, then maintenance drugsSource: ESMO
How is it treated today?
Treatment usually includes surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, and chemotherapy. Targeted drugs may be added, such as bevacizumab or PARP inhibitors (for example olaparib or niraparib). Genetic testing is often recommended, because knowing about a gene change such as BRCA can help plan treatment. Other approaches, such as heated chemotherapy given into the belly during surgery, are being studied in clinical trials.
What affects the outlook?
The chance of recovery depends on the type, grade and stage of the cancer, whether fluid has built up in the belly, whether surgery can remove all of the tumour, BRCA gene changes, age and general health, and whether the cancer is new or has come back. Your doctor can explain what this means for you.
Machine summary of published research · sources and dates below · 2026-11-06
Written from: MedlinePlus: Ovarian Cancer (2026-08-03) · NCI PDQ: Ovarian Epithelial, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancers Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version (2024-11-22) · read on 2026-11-06