What is ovarian cancer?

Cancer that starts in the ovaries is called ovarian cancer. The ovaries are a pair of small, round organs located in the lower abdomen that are connected to the uterus by the fallopian tubes. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. Most cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in women over age 50, but it can occur at any age. Symptoms of ovarian cancer often do not appear until the disease is advanced and may include pelvic pain or pressure, abdominal bloating or enlargement, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, urinary frequency or urgency, and changes in bowel habits. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.