More than 20,000 women will likely receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women, with more than 12,000 women dying from it annually.

This rare, yet aggressive cancer has many misconceptions about it – starting with its name.

Ovarian cancer does not always develop in the ovaries

Ovaries are the oval-shaped reproductive organs that produce eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes into the uterus. When someone is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it means that cells are abnormally growing in the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

“Most of the cancers we describe as ovarian cancer arrive from the fallopian tubes,” said Dr. Elmer Lehman, Marshfield Clinic Health System gynecologic oncologist. “You can have normal ovaries even when diagnosed with this type of cancer.”

The most common type of ovarian tumor is an epithelial tumor. Epithelial tumors start on the cells outside of the ovary.

Inherited genes and family history play a role in risk factors

If you have relatives who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your risk may increase.

Much like for breast cancer, being positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic abnormalities also can lead to an increased risk of developing this type of cancer.

• If you are BRCA1 positive, there is a 44 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer.
• If you are BRCA2 positive, there is a 20-22 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer.

“Your provider might look for gene changes that increase your risk of cancer,” said Dr. Lehman. “If you have a change in your DNA that causes ovarian cancer, it may change your course of treatment. You also can share this information with your blood relatives to let them know they may be at risk if they have the same gene mutations.”

Other risk factors include:

• Older age: Your risk increases as you age.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Hormone replacement therapy for menopause: Taking hormone replacements to control menopause may increase your risk.

Unexplained weight change is one sign

Most ovarian cancer is found at stage three, which means it has spread to the abdomen in some way.

“It might not cause noticeable symptoms when it first develops,” said Dr. Lehman. “Symptoms are often attributed to other common health conditions.”

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Bloating or swelling in your abdomen
• Weight loss
• Pelvic area discomfort
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• A frequent need to urinate

“If you are noticing unexplained symptoms, like pain in your pelvic region or have unexplained weight loss, talk to your provider right away,” said Dr. Lehman.

Typical treatment of ovarian cancer includes chemotherapy and surgery

If you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your health care provider will discuss the best care option for you. A treatment plan is based on the type of cancer and its stage.

A mix of chemotherapy and surgery is the typical course of treatment.

During surgery, the tumors would be removed. In many instances this can include removing non-essential organs or lymph nodes such as the ovaries or cervix.

Depending on your treatment plan, you may receive intravenous chemotherapy before and/or after your surgery.

For more information, talk with your primary care provider.