A Snapshot of Ovarian Cancer

Incidence and Mortality

Ovarian cancer accounts for approximately 3 percent of all cancers in women and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States. The incidence rate of ovarian cancer has been declining since the mid-1980s. White women have higher incidence and mortality rates than women of other racial/ethnic groups.

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality of all cancers of the female reproductive system. This reflects, in part, a lack of early symptoms and of effective ovarian cancer screening tests. Thus, ovarian cancer often is diagnosed at an advanced stage, after the cancer has spread beyond the ovary.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer include a family history of ovarian cancer, the presence of certain genetic mutations, and having certain hereditary conditions. Women who are known to have an increased risk of ovarian cancer may consider surgery to remove the ovaries. Standard treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery and chemotherapy.

It is estimated that approximately $5.1 billion¹ is spent in the United States each year on ovarian cancer treatment.

Trends in NCI Funding for Ovarian Cancer Research

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) investment² in ovarian cancer research increased from $96.9 million in fiscal year (FY) 2007 to $110.8 million in FY 2011. In addition to this funding, NCI supported $22 million in ovarian cancer research in FY 2009 and 2010 using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).³

Examples of NCI Activities Relevant to Ovarian Cancer

• The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) researchers are systematically identifying the major genomic changes involved in more than 20 cancers using state-of-the-art genomic analysis technologies. The molecular characterization data set is available for ovarian cancer. Researchers have found that mutations in a specific gene are present in most high-grade serous ovarian cancers and have identified gene expression patterns that are associated with length of survival.
• The Screening Methods for Finding Ovarian Cancer trial is studying screening methods to identify women at increased risk of ovarian cancer. The study also is identifying new prevention approaches and novel therapies.
• The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer (PLCO) Screening Trial, a large-scale clinical trial, is determining whether specific cancer screening tests reduce deaths from these cancers. Researchers found that screening women for ovarian cancer with a blood test for the tumor marker CA-125 and transvaginal ultrasound did not reduce ovarian cancer mortality compared with usual care.
• The Ovarian Cancer Epidemiology Consortia include four research consortia that conduct studies to identify genes related to the risk of ovarian cancer, new clinical treatments, prevention and risk reduction measures, and diagnostic tests to improve ovarian cancer outcomes.
• The Olaparib in Combination with Carboplatin for Refractory or Recurrent Women's Cancers trial is trying to determine the best sequence for administering chemotherapy and the targeted drug olaparib to women with recurrent gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer.
• Five ovarian-cancer-specific Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) are working to develop early detection, screening, prevention, and therapeutic tools for ovarian cancer.

Selected Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research

• The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network reported the genomic analysis of more than 400 high-grade serous ovarian adenocarcinomas, cataloging the molecular abnormalities that are critical in the development of ovarian cancer and suggesting new targets for therapy. Published June 2011. [PubMed Abstract]
• A pooled analysis of 26 studies indicated that women with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer who carry germline mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are more likely to survive 5 years after diagnosis than are those who do not have such mutations. Published January 2012. [PubMed Abstract]
• A transgenic mouse study showed that high-grade serous ovarian cancer can originate in the fallopian tube. Published February 2012. [PubMed Abstract]
• Researchers discovered an 11-gene signature that may more precisely predict prognosis for patients with ovarian cancer who are treated with carboplatin- and paclitaxel-based therapies. Published April 2012. [PubMed Abstract]
• See this PubMed list of selected free full-text journal articles on NCI-supported research relevant to ovarian cancer. You can also search PubMed for additional scientific articles.