There’s no sure way to know whether you will develop ovarian cancer. The fact is that most people diagnosed with ovarian cancer don’t have a known high risk. However, the risk of ovarian cancer increases as you get older.

Many symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, abdominal (belly) pain, or feeling full quickly, can be easy to miss or mistake for other, more common conditions — especially in early stages. Knowing which symptoms to watch for as you age may help you notice changes in your body and decide when to talk with a healthcare provider.

In this article, we’ll explain how ovarian cancer risk changes with age and which symptoms people may notice at different stages of life.

What’s Your Ovarian Cancer Risk by Age?

While it’s possible to develop ovarian cancer at any age, the risk goes up significantly with age. Most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed after age 50, according to Not These Ovaries.

Ovarian Cancer in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Ovarian cancer is rare in people younger than 40, and it’s very rare in teens. However, it’s still possible. Between 2015 and 2019, 1.4 percent of new ovarian cancer cases occurred in people 20 and younger, and people ages 20 to 34 made up 4.4 percent of new cases.

A young person may be more likely to develop ovarian cancer if they:

• Experienced early menstruation (periods)
• Have endometriosis
• Have a family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate, or colorectal cancer before age 50
• Were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40

The most common type of ovarian cancer diagnosed in teenage girls, young women, young trans men, and nonbinary people is germ cell tumors, according to Not These Ovaries. This type usually affects only one ovary, and it doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages.

Some people may experience urinary and abdominal symptoms. Fortunately, these types of tumors are often treatable and generally have a good prognosis when caught early.

Ovarian Cancer in Your 40s

The risk of ovarian cancer increases in your 40s, but it’s still relatively low. Between 2015 and 2019, 7 percent of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer were between the ages of 35 and 44. People ages 45 to 54 made up 16.3 percent of new cases.

People who have their first pregnancy after age 35 or have never given birth may be more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

Certain types of ovarian cancer are more likely to occur in younger people. Low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) is usually diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 57. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is often diagnosed between 45 and 50.

Ovarian Cancer in Your 50s and 60s

The majority of ovarian cancer cases occur in women in their 60s and older, according to Not These Ovaries. More than two-thirds of cases are diagnosed at age 55 or older. The median age at diagnosis for ovarian cancer is 63. Between 2015 and 2019, 24.4 percent of new ovarian cancer cases were in people ages 55 to 64.

Menopause usually begins around age 50. People who start menopause after age 55 may be at an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer in Your 70s and Beyond

People diagnosed with ovarian cancer at an older age may have a worse prognosis (outlook). Many people diagnosed at an older age have advanced disease and may not be eligible for certain treatments. The rate of death from ovarian cancer is highest in women ages 65 to 74, according to Not These Ovaries.

Between 2015 and 2019:

• Almost 24 percent of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer were between the ages of 65 and 74.
• People ages 75 to 84 made up 15.4 percent of new cases.
• Those 84 and older accounted for 7.2 percent of new cases.

Other Factors That May Increase Risk of Ovarian Cancer

In addition to age, there are additional factors that may increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Known ovarian cancer risk factors include:

• Family history — Having a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer increases your risk.
• Certain genetic mutations (changes) — A mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes can raise your risk of ovarian cancer.
• History of cancer — Having cancer of the breast, uterus, or colon may increase your risk.
• Endometriosis — This is a chronic condition that occurs when the tissue from inside the uterus (known as endometrial tissue) grows outside of the uterus.
• Ethnic background — People who have an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background may be at increased risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Pregnancy history — People who have never given birth or who have experienced infertility may be at increased risk.

Having one or more risk factors for ovarian cancer doesn’t mean that you’ll develop it. Most people diagnosed with ovarian cancer aren’t at a higher risk. However, if you’re concerned about your risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

Many early symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecific (not clearly linked to one condition) and can be easy to miss. The ovaries are small organs, so symptoms may be subtle at first.

Early symptoms may include:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain or discomfort
• Bloating
• Nausea or gas
• Early fullness after eating
• Urinary changes (such as needing to go urgently or more often)

Because these symptoms are common and can overlap with other conditions, they may sometimes be mistaken for something else. This can delay diagnosis and feel frustrating.

As ovarian cancer progresses, some people notice additional symptoms, including:

• Low back pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn or upset stomach
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Fatigue

A 2022 study found that women diagnosed with ovarian cancer most commonly sought medical care because of abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, or difficulty eating. Those who visited their doctor because of urinary changes were usually not diagnosed right away, delaying their care.

Some research suggests that delays in diagnosis can affect prognosis and survival outcomes.

Not everyone with ovarian cancer symptoms is treated the same. A 2022 study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the time it took for people to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States. The study found that people who are Hispanic experienced delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms by Age

Ovarian cancer may present differently in everyone, and your age may affect your symptoms. It may be more challenging to recognize the signs in older people because of other health conditions. The common symptoms, such as bloating or trouble eating, may be mistaken for other health problems.

In younger people, pelvic pain may be the first sign of ovarian cancer. In older individuals, overall abdominal pain or discomfort is more common. People of any age can experience digestive problems, abdominal or pelvic pain, and urinary symptoms with ovarian cancer.

When Should I See My Doctor?

See your healthcare provider if you develop potential symptoms of ovarian cancer that last longer than two weeks. See your provider right away if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, including any bleeding after menopause.

There’s currently no way to screen for ovarian cancer in people who don’t have symptoms. A Pap test doesn’t screen for ovarian cancer. The most effective way to recognize ovarian cancer is to notice any bodily changes and report them to your doctor.

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