Expectations  Of Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed in its early stages and is generally well advanced at the time of diagnosis, which often provides a poor prognosis. Approximately 76% of women with ovarian cancer survive one year after diagnosis.

About 45% live more than 5 years after diagnosis. If the diagnosis is made in the early stages of the disease and treatment is received before the cancer spreads outside the ovary, the survival rate at 5 years is about 94%. Complications:

• Cancer spreading to other organs
• Loss of organ function
• Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
• Intestinal obstruction

Calling your health care provider:

Make an appointment with your doctor if you are a woman over 40 years old who has not had a pelvic exam recently. Pap smears or Pap tests and pelvic examinations are routinely recommended for all women over age 20. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of ovarian cancer.