What is ovarian cancer?

The female reproductive system contains two ovaries on each side of the uterus. The ovaries are where eggs are developed. Ovarian cancer occurs when malignant cell growth affects parts of the ovaries.

What are the different types of ovarian cancer?

There are different types of ovarian cancer classified by the type of cell from which it originates:

• Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. It develops from a type of cell that surrounds the exterior of the ovaries.
  
• Germ cell ovarian cancer develops from germ cells that make the eggs.
• Stromal ovarian cancer develops from connective tissue cells that fill the ovaries.

Ovarian Cancer - Prevalence

How common is ovarian cancer?

In Singapore, ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women. Although it usually occurs in post-menopausal women over the age of 50, ovarian cancer can occur in younger women.

Epithelial ovarian cancer usually affects older women, while germ cell ovarian cancer tends to occur more frequently in younger women.