About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the second most
common gynaecological cancer in the UK and affects over 6,800 women
a year. This page provides a background on ovarian cancer in the
UK.
The ovaries are two small, oval shaped organs, which are part of
the female reproductive system. They are located deep within the
pelvis. The fallopian tubes lead from the ovaries to the womb
(uterus). Each month, in women of reproductive age, an egg leaves
one of the ovaries and passes down the fallopian tube to the womb.
The ovaries are also responsible for the production of the female
hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.
Cancer occurs when the division of cells gets out of control,
leading to the formation of a growth or tumour. Not all growths or
tumours are caused by cancer. A growth caused by cancer is called
malignant and a growth which is not cancerous is known as benign.
Malignant tumours differ from benign growths in that they not only
affect the organ they originate from but also have the ability to
spread to and affect other parts of the body.
We don't know for certain what causes ovarian cancer, but it is
thought that the cancer starts when the cells on the surface of the
ovary do not repair themselves after ovulation. Cancer can occur in
the ovary at any age, although the most common type of ovarian
cancer (epithelial) tends to occur in post menopausal women. 90% of
cases occur in those over the age of 45.
Did you know?
Cervical screening tests - sometimes known as smear tests - will
not help to detect ovarian cancer, only cervical cancer.
