Learn about ovarian cancer
From risk factors and warning signs to diagnosis, treatment, and trusted resources — clear answers to the questions that matter most, so you can ask the right ones at your next appointment.
Understanding ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer risk factors
What raises the risk of ovarian cancer — age, family history, BRCA mutations, and more — what lowers it, and what to do if your risk is higher than average.
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer whispers — bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly, urinary changes. Learn the signs, and when persistent symptoms mean it is time to see a doctor.
How ovarian cancer is diagnosed
From pelvic exams and ultrasound to the CA-125 blood test and biopsy — the tests doctors use to diagnose ovarian cancer, what each can show, and what to do with an abnormal result.
Treatment options for ovarian cancer
Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials — how ovarian cancer treatment plans are built, why biomarker testing matters, and the questions worth asking your care team.
Ovarian cancer resources
A curated directory of trusted ovarian cancer resources — national organizations, financial assistance, peer support, clinical trial finders, and practical help for patients and caregivers.
Which ovarian cancers don't show up on a CA125 test — and why
A CA125 blood test can be normal even when ovarian cancer is present. Here are the ovarian cancer types most often missed by CA125, and what that means for you.
Ovarian cancer types CA125 can miss
Brenner tumor of the ovary
Usually unhelpful — most Brenner tumors are benign and produce little CA125.
Clear cell ovarian cancer
Variable and often only modestly raised — not a reliable indicator.
Endometrioid ovarian cancer
Variable and sometimes normal — especially when the cancer is caught early.
Low-grade serous ovarian cancer
May rise, but often less than high-grade disease — and can be normal, especially early.
Mucinous ovarian cancer
Frequently normal — CEA and CA19-9 are often more informative than CA125.
Ovarian germ cell tumors
Typically normal — AFP, hCG and LDH are the key markers, not CA125.
Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors
Usually normal — inhibin, AMH and estradiol matter far more than CA125.