Understanding Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, after uterine cancer. This is a comprehensive guide that will help you understand ovarian cancer, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the latest research advances. It also provides advice and resources about coping with ovarian cancer for you and your loved ones.

This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on May 20, 2026.

Navigating the Understanding Ovarian Cancer Guide: This guide is meant to help you understand ovarian cancer, how it forms, how it is treated, and how to cope with an ovarian cancer diagnosis. It is meant for people with ovarian cancer and their loved ones. 

You can choose to read every article in this guide in order or only read the sections that are most important to you. Use this menu to skip around through the guide or use the links at the end of each page to move on to the next section. 

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Learn what ovarian cancer is and how it starts. It also covers the different types of ovarian cancer and how the disease can affect the body.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Learn about the signs and symptoms that people diagnosed with ovarian cancer may experience. 

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Some people may be at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for this cancer. 

Can I Lower My Risk of Ovarian Cancer? Screening and Prevention

Learn how risk-reducing strategies and awareness of symptoms can help catch ovarian cancer earlier and lower your risk.

Statistics for Ovarian Cancer

Learn more about how many people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year and ovarian cancer survival statistics.

How is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

Learn more about the tests and procedures that are used to diagnose ovarian cancer.

How is Ovarian Cancer Staged and Classified?

There are different systems for staging ovarian cancer and determining prognosis. This page will help you understand what your ovarian cancer stage means. 

How is Ovarian Cancer Treated?

Ovarian cancer is treated using different combinations of therapies. Learn more about surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, plus supportive care to help manage your symptoms.

Joining A Clinical Trial for Ovarian Cancer

Clinical trials can be a way for people with ovarian cancer to receive the latest treatment options. Learn more about why you may want to join a clinical trial, how to find a clinical trial using the HealthTree Clinical Trial Finder, and what clinical trial results mean. 

Coping with Ovarian Cancer

An ovarian cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and difficult. Find ways to cope with the support of your family, friends, caregivers, and care team.

Questions to Ask About Ovarian Cancer

When you go to appointments with your care team, you may not know what to ask. Use this list of questions to help brainstorm what information is most important to you.