Ovarian Cancer Statistics
Today, ovarian cancer is practically a death sentence. Survival rates over the last five years remain low and unchanged at 35%.
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society; 2025.
Through its dedication to the development, organization and successful implementation of numerous charitable fundraising programs, educational seminars, and events held throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, The Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation delivers on its core principle of generating greater awareness of the threat of ovarian cancer and promoting the need for more investment in ovarian cancer research. The Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation works closely with notable and respected Ovarian Cancer research labs and researchers for the most up to date information, allowing us to develop and disseminate educational materials and hold education and information sessions with personal of risk as well as local, state and federal legislators to assist in changing the grim statistics of Ovarian Cancer.
Ovarian cancer, often tragically dubbed the “silent killer,” presents a formidable challenge in the medical community. The stark reality is that only a mere 17% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are caught at an early stage. This incredibly low percentage is not due to a lack of diligence, but rather a critical absence: there are currently no universally reliable tools that can detect ovarian cancer in its earliest, most curable stages.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are notoriously vague and can easily be mistaken for more common, benign conditions like digestive issues or menopausal changes. Bloating, abdominal discomfort, difficulty eating, and frequent urination are often dismissed until the disease has progressed significantly. This means that by the time a diagnosis is made, the cancer has often spread beyond the ovaries, making treatment far more complex and outcomes much less favorable. This late detection is precisely why ovarian cancer claims more lives than any other gynecological cancer.
However, there is immense hope, and dedicated researchers around the globe are tirelessly working to change this narrative. They are hard at work developing groundbreaking methods to revolutionize early detection, including:
- Identifying unique biomarkers: These are specific molecules or substances in the body that can indicate the presence of cancer, even before symptoms appear. Researchers are searching for ovarian cancer-specific biomarkers that can be detected through simple tests.
- Developing highly sensitive blood tests: Imagine a routine blood test that could flag the potential presence of ovarian cancer, allowing for timely intervention. This is a major area of focus, aiming for tests that are both accurate and accessible.
- Innovating non-invasive biopsies: Instead of surgical procedures, researchers are exploring ways to collect and analyze cells or genetic material from bodily fluids to detect cancer without invasive surgery.
This is where the Barbara T. Ferraro Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation steps in with a crucial and impactful mission: to provide direct funding to these pioneering researchers, thereby accelerating this vital work. Every dollar a researcher receives from the Foundation is time they can spend directly on critical medical advancements – in the lab, analyzing data, and testing new hypotheses – instead of navigating the often lengthy and competitive process of applying for grants. This direct, agile funding is a powerful catalyst, propelling discoveries forward at a much faster pace.
The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated. Ovarian cancer stands as the deadliest of all gynecological cancers, a testament to its aggressive nature and the challenges of early diagnosis. The Barbara T. Foundation understands this profound need and therefore dedicates 100% of its time and resources solely to the prevention, detection, and cure of ovarian cancer. This singular focus ensures that every effort and every dollar contributes directly to fighting this specific disease.
The statistics paint a sobering picture of the personal impact: a woman’s lifetime risk of developing Ovarian Cancer is 1 in 78, and a woman’s lifetime risk of dying from Ovarian Cancer is 1 in 108. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends whose lives are irrevocably altered by this disease. Our collective efforts, fueled by direct research funding, are essential to rewrite these statistics, ensure earlier diagnoses, develop more effective treatments, and ultimately, save countless lives.
The American Cancer Society estimates for ovarian cancer in the United States for 2025 are:
- In 2025 and estimated 20,890 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the US. This is an estimated 11% increase from last year.
- About 13,270 women will die from ovarian cancer.
Understanding your personal risk for ovarian cancer is a crucial step in proactive health management. While most cases of ovarian cancer are sporadic, meaning they arise without a clear inherited cause, certain factors significantly elevate a woman’s susceptibility. It’s essential to be aware of these heightened risks:
1. Genetic Mutations, Especially BRCA1 and BRCA2: These are arguably the most well-known and impactful genetic mutations associated with increased cancer risk.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are tumor suppressor genes. Their normal function is to repair DNA damage and prevent cells from growing and dividing uncontrollably.
- When a harmful mutation occurs in one of these genes, this repair mechanism is compromised, leading to an increased risk of various cancers, most notably breast and ovarian cancer.
- A woman with a BRCA1 mutation has a significantly increased lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer, potentially ranging from 39% to 58%.
- For those with a BRCA2 mutation, the lifetime risk for ovarian cancer is also elevated, typically between 13% and 29%.
- Beyond BRCA, other less common genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome (HNPCC), also increase the risk of ovarian cancer, alongside colorectal and uterine cancers. Genes like PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, RAD51C, and RAD51D are also being studied for their contributions to ovarian cancer risk.
2. Strong Family History of Certain Cancers: Even without a known genetic mutation, a pattern of cancer within your family can be a significant indicator.
- Family history of ovarian cancer: If your mother, sister, or daughter has had ovarian cancer, your risk can be up to four times higher. The risk is even greater if these relatives were diagnosed at a younger age (e.g., before 50) or if multiple family members are affected.
- Family history of breast, pancreatic, or prostate cancer: The connection between these cancers and ovarian cancer often lies in shared genetic predispositions. For instance, BRCA mutations also increase the risk of breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Therefore, a strong family history of any of these cancers on either your mother’s or father’s side should prompt a conversation with your doctor about your ovarian cancer risk.
3. Personal History of Breast Cancer: Women who have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly if their breast cancer was linked to a genetic mutation like BRCA. The pathways that contribute to breast cancer can sometimes also influence ovarian cancer risk.
4. Ashkenazi Jewish Ancestry: Individuals of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish descent have a significantly higher prevalence of specific inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
- Roughly 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals carry a BRCA gene mutation, compared to about 1 in 400 in the general population.
- This higher prevalence directly translates to an increased risk for ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers within this population. Genetic counseling and testing are often recommended for individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, regardless of family history.
5. Women of Color (Racial Disparities): While the incidence rates of ovarian cancer may be highest among non-Hispanic White women, significant disparities exist, particularly in mortality and diagnosis stage for women of color.
- Black women, for example, are disproportionately diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer and experience higher mortality rates compared to White women. This disparity can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors including:
- Unequal access to quality healthcare: Systemic barriers, socioeconomic factors, and geographic limitations can delay diagnosis and access to specialized treatment.
- Under-treatment or non-standard treatment regimens.
- Potential genetic susceptibilities unique to certain racial or ethnic groups that are still being researched.
- Higher prevalence of co-morbid conditions.
- Disaggregated data within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations also reveal varying survival outcomes, underscoring the need for tailored interventions.
What to Do if You Have These Risk Factors: If any of these risk factors apply to you, it is crucial to have an open and proactive discussion with your healthcare provider. They may recommend:
- Genetic counseling: To assess your family history in detail and determine if genetic testing is appropriate.
- Genetic testing: To identify specific mutations like BRCA1/2.
- Increased surveillance: While routine screening tools for ovarian cancer are lacking for the general population, individuals at high risk may benefit from personalized surveillance strategies, though their effectiveness is still under study.
- Risk-reducing strategies: For those with very high genetic risk, options like risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes) after childbearing may be discussed to dramatically lower risk.
Understanding these risk factors is the first step toward empowerment, enabling individuals and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about personalized screening, prevention strategies, and timely intervention.
If you are concerned that you may be at increased risk, please reach out to your provider or a genetic counselor. Genetic counselors can be found here.
LEARN MORE https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/