The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease of the ovary, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum. Unlike other cancers, there is currently no simple or reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer in women who do not have symptoms.
In early stages of ovarian cancer, there may not be many signs or symptoms. Because of this, ovarian cancer is often found at a later stage.
What you can do:
- Know what is normal for your own body.
- Talk to your provider if you notice a change with your body that is not normal for you and that could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
-
Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
- 45 years of age or older
- A history of endometriosis
- A personal or family history of ovarian cancer
- Obesity
- Never having given birth
- Use of hormone replacement therapy
-
Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- Back pain
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Pressure or pain in the pelvic or abdominal area
- Problems eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary urgency (feeling like you must go), urinary frequency (having to go often), or urinary retention (can’t go)
- Vaginal bleeding (especially postmenopause) or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you
Source: CDC — What Are The Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
When ovarian cancer is suspected or has been diagnosed, medical experts recommend a referral to a gynecologic oncologist.- A gynecologic oncologist is a doctor who is specially trained in treating cancers of the female reproductive system.
- Treatment by a gynecologic oncologist helps ensure patients get the appropriate kind of surgery for their cancer.
-
Michigan Ovarian Cancer Patient Navigation Line
Contact the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Patient Navigation line to speak with a patient navigator. A patient navigator can provide helpful information about finding a gynecologic oncologist in your area or near your geographic region. A patient navigator will also be able to share additional resources about ovarian cancer.
Call: 844-446-8727
-
Ovarian Cancer Patient Resources
- A Roadmap for Ovarian Cancer — Work with a Gynecologic Oncologist (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)
- Cancer Resources for Michigan Communities (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)
- Ovarian Cancer Education Podcasts (Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium)
- Ovarian Cancer Patient Checklist (Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium)
- Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance
- Ovarian Cancer Fact Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Ovarian Cancer — Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: NCCN Guidelines for Patients (National Comprehensive Cancer Network)
-
Ovarian Cancer Provider Resources
- Ovarian Cancer Physician Checklist (Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium)
- Facts about Ovarian Cancer for Health Professionals (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)
- Ovarian Cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)