What Factors Affect Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates?

Ovarian cancer survival rates depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's medical history. The overall five year survival rate for all types of ovarian cancer hovers at around 50%, but the rates can be very different among different populations. Patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer will receive a thorough medical workup and can talk to their doctors about their chances with the available treatments. While statistics can be grim in some cases, aggressive and appropriate treatment may extend the patient's life or improve quality of life.

In their early stages, ovarian cancers can cause vague symptoms like abdominal pain and cramping. Patients and their doctors may not immediately think of cancer, and as a result, the growth is often diagnosed at a late stage. This brings ovarian cancer survival rates down, as more advanced cancers are harder to treat and survive, especially as they start to metastasize to other areas of the body. The type of cancer can also be important. Invasive epithelial cell cancer, germ cell cancer, and fallopian tube carcinoma all have different survival rates.

In the case of recurrent ovarian cancer, the survival rate drops. Recurrent cancers reflect an aggressive tumor that did not fully vanish in response to prior treatment, and managed to grow back after the patient appeared to be in remission. Ovarian cancer survival rates with recurrent tumors can be very low, especially if they are caught late. A history of ovarian cancer in the patient's medical history isn't the only risk factor. Patients with a BRCA mutation, which is a gene mutation, are more likely to die from ovarian cancer as well.

Age and general level of health can be key to ovarian cancer survival rates. Older patients tend to be more fragile and may not be able to survive treatment, while patients with preexisting medical conditions may have unexpected complications. Ovarian cancer survival rates tend to drop on patients taking estrogen replacement therapy, a common treatment used to manage menopause in older women, although supplementing with progesterone can reduce the risks.

The type of treatment a patient receives also plays a role in ovarian cancer survival rates. Rapid aggressive treatment to take out the tumor before it has a chance to spread is important. Patients who eat a high proportion of fruits and vegetables are also more likely to survive, according to studies. Patients can work with their doctors on finding the best approach to treatment, given their circumstances.