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UK Ovarian Cancer statistics

This page presents key ovarian cancer incidence, survival and mortality statistics, and the main risk factors for ovarian cancer. A table of the latest ovarian cancer statistics is also available.

You can download a PDF of the CancerStats Key Facts on Ovarian Cancer page.

The ovarian cancer statistics on these pages are designed for health professionals. If you are looking for information because you or someone you know has been affected by ovarian cancer , then the CancerHelp UK pages on ovarian cancer may be more useful and relevant. CancerHelp UK also includes a straightforward guide to understanding statistics.

How common is ovarian cancer?

• Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in females in the UK and the second most common gynaecological cancer after uterus.
• There are around 6,800 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year in the UK, that is around 130 women every week.
• Ovarian cancer is more common in women who have been through the menopause: more than 4 in 5 new cases are diagnosed in women aged over 50 years.
• Since the mid 1970s, the incidence of ovarian cancer in women over 65 has increased by more than half.
• Worldwide, there are more than 204,000 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year.
• The incidence of ovarian cancer is highest in USA and Northern Europe and lowest in Africa and Asia.

Read more in-depth UK ovarian cancer incidence statistics

How many women survive ovarian cancer?

• Ovarian cancer survival rates are higher the earlier the cancer is diagnosed. Women with early stage ovarian cancer have survival rates in excess of 70%.
• Survival rates for ovarian cancer have increased slowly since the 1970s. Latest rates show that around 40% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer live for at least five years.
• Ovarian cancer survival rates are highest in younger women who are more often diagnosed with early cancer.

Read more in-depth ovarian cancer survival statistics

How many women die from ovarian cancer?

• Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in women in the UK and the most common cause of gynaecological cancer death.
• Around 4,300 women die of ovarian cancer each year in the UK.
• Despite increasing incidence, ovarian cancer mortality has remained fairly stable over the last thirty years, and in younger women it has decreased.
• Worldwide, an estimated 125,000 women die of ovarian cancer each year.

Read more in-depth ovarian cancer mortality statistics

What causes ovarian cancer?

• The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age; more than 4 out of 5 cases are diagnosed in women over 50 years.
• Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
• Women who have not had children have a higher risk of ovarian cancer than women who have given birth.
• Oral contraceptive use reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and the protective effect persists for many years after stopping the Pill.
• Women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for more than five years have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
• Women with endometriosis have a greater than average risk of ovarian cancer.
• Research shows that women who have difficulties conceiving may have a higher risk of ovarian cancer than fertile women.
• Sterilisation by tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
• The evidence suggests that women who breastfeed their children have a lower risk of ovarian cancer than those who do not.
• Research suggests that women who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Read more in-depth ovarian cancer risk factors information

Why not browse our other ovarian cancer information...