Ovarian cancer is not a singular diagnosis, rather it is an umbrella term for a multitude of different types of cancer that affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the primary peritoneal cavity. It is estimated that there are more than 30 different types of ovarian cancer, and there is a very wide variation in incidence and outlook in terms of the different types.
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of the female cancers for which there is no reliable screening test, and every person assigned female at birth is at risk. With delays in diagnosis due to this lack of screening and because symptoms are often confused with other, less severe, illnesses, most people are diagnosed once the cancer has already spread, making it more difficult to treat. While every woman is at risk, ovarian cancer is overlooked and underfunded.

There are different types of ovarian cancer tumors, which are named after the type of cell they come from. the three main cell types that make up the ovary. They are:
Epithelial ovarian cancer
Comes from the surface of the ovary (the epithelium), and is the most common ovarian cancer. Fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer are also included in this type of ovarian cancer.
Germ cell ovarian cancer
Comes from the reproductive cells of the ovaries. Germ cell ovarian cancer is rare.
Stromal cell ovarian cancer
Comes from connective tissue cells. Stromal cell ovarian cancer is also very rare.
Small cell carcinoma (SCCO) of the ovary
This is an extremely rare ovarian cancer and it is not certain whether the cells in SCCO are from ovarian epithelial cells, sex-cord stromal cells, or germ cells.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer Include:
Bloating: Increased abdominal size or persistent bloating that doesn’t come and go
Eating Complications: Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Pain: In pelvic and/or abdominal areas
Urinary Symptoms: Urgent or frequent urination

Occasionally, there can be other symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Abnormal bleeding, any post-menopausal bleeding should always be checked by your primary health care provider or doctor.
• Extreme fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Often ovarian cancer symptoms are mistaken for other ailments and causes, as they can be subtle and experienced by individuals who do not have ovarian cancer. They can be confused with symptoms of other less severe illnesses, especially gastrointestinal complaints (e.g., IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome), leading to frequent misdiagnosis. Most patients are only identified in the advanced stages of the disease when it becomes more difficult to treat.
If you have any concerns about ovarian cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor or primary health care provider.

Factors that can increase your risk of ovarian cancer include:

• Older age
• Inherited gene changes (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations)
• Family history of ovarian cancer
• Being overweight or obese
• Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
• Endometriosis
• Early menarche or late menopause
• Never having been pregnant

About 20–25% of those diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a hereditary tendency to develop the disease. Of those cases, 10–15% are linked to an inherited genetic mutation in one of two genes which are called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Those genes are linked to both ovarian and breast cancer.
Individuals with a family history of ovarian, breast or related cancers are encouraged to speak with their doctor or primary health care professional to find out if they are eligible for genetic counseling and testing.
Speak to your doctor or primary health care professional to find out how to access genetic testing and counseling.

Ovarian cancer treatment typically involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Targeted therapies and other treatments may also be used depending on the specific case. A team of specialists will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health