Ovarian Cancer Statistics

Statistics on ovarian cancer are carefully compiled by the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and other government and non-profit agencies. Learn about the symptoms.

Ovarian Cancer in the United States

• Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women and the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in the United States.
• The American Cancer Society estimates that about 21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed in 2009 and 14,600 women died from ovarian cancer.
• Ovarian cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in women.
• 46% of women who develop ovarian cancer are still alive after five years.

Ovarian Cancer in New Jersey

• From 2002-2006 there were 3,659 cases of ovarian cancer in New Jersey.
• NJ OC incidence rates in 2003 were slightly higher than those of the US as a whole: 14.4 compared to 13.0. 
• NJ mortality rates have remained fairly stable though slightly higher than the US rate.
• The 2003 the NJ mortality rate for white women was higher than for African American and Hispanic women: 10.3 v. 7.6 and 4.0 per 100,000, respectively.
• The five year relative survival rate was 49.3 (1994-97). The United States survival rate was 44.6.
• African American women have a lower survival rate.

           
Sources: National Cancer Institute and State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan (www.nj.gov/health/ccp/ccc_plan)