Question 1

What are the different stages of ovarian cancer?

Accepted Answer

Ovarian cancer is classified into four stages. Stage I is confined to one or both ovaries. Stage II involves spread to nearby pelvic structures like the uterus or bladder. Stage III means the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen or nearby lymph nodes, which is the stage most commonly diagnosed. Stage IV indicates spread to distant organs such as the liver or lungs. Staging, usually confirmed during surgery, determines both the treatment approach and expected outlook for each patient.

Question 2

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed if there is no dedicated screening test?

Accepted Answer

Since there is no reliable population screening test for ovarian cancer, diagnosis usually begins when a woman reports persistent symptoms such as bloating, pelvic pain or early satiety. Doctors then use a pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound, and CA-125 blood test to assess suspicious findings, followed by CT or PET imaging to check the extent of disease. A definitive diagnosis requires a tissue biopsy, typically obtained during surgery. Because early symptoms are vague, awareness and prompt evaluation of persistent symptoms remain the most effective route to earlier diagnosis.

Question 3

What is the survival rate for ovarian cancer by stage?

Accepted Answer

Survival rates for ovarian cancer vary significantly by stage at diagnosis. When detected at stage I, the five-year survival rate is around 90%, but this drops considerably at later stages, reflecting how far the cancer has spread by the time of diagnosis. Overall five-year survival across all stages combined is roughly 50%, largely because most cases are found at stage III or later. These are statistical averages; individual prognosis depends on the specific cancer type, response to treatment, and overall health, which your oncologist can discuss with you in detail.

Question 4

Which doctor should I consult for suspected ovarian cancer?

Accepted Answer

If you have persistent symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer, start with a gynaecologist, who can perform an initial pelvic exam and order an ultrasound and blood tests. If findings are suspicious, you will be referred to a gynaecologic oncologist, a specialist trained specifically in surgery and treatment of ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers. Seeing a gynaecologic oncologist for both surgery and follow-up treatment, rather than a general gynaecologist or surgeon, is associated with better outcomes, since these specialists are trained in the specific techniques ovarian cancer surgery requires.

Question 5

Can ovarian cancer come back after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ovarian cancer recurrence is relatively common, particularly in cases diagnosed at an advanced stage, and can occur months to years after initial treatment. This is why regular follow-up visits, including physical exams, CA-125 blood tests and imaging as needed, continue for several years after treatment ends. If cancer does recur, treatment options include further surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors, depending on how the cancer responds to prior treatment. Discuss your specific recurrence risk and follow-up schedule with your gynaecologic oncologist.

Question 6

How is ovarian cancer different from other gynaecological cancers?

Accepted Answer

Ovarian cancer is often called a silent disease because it typically causes few or no symptoms until it has spread, unlike cervical cancer, which is often detected early through Pap smear screening, or uterine cancer, which usually announces itself through abnormal bleeding at an early, treatable stage. This lack of an effective screening test and vague early symptoms means ovarian cancer is more often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making awareness of persistent symptoms especially important for earlier detection.

Ovarian Cancer: Know the Signs, Save Lives