Ovarian cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide. While it’s not the most common cancer, it unfortunately leads to more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. In the United States, ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Understanding your personal risk factors is crucial, and age is definitely one of them. While the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer increases as you get older, it’s important to know that it can occur at any age. Let’s delve into the Average Age For Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis and what this means for you.
Ovarian Cancer Risk by Age: Breaking Down the Statistics
It’s a common misconception that ovarian cancer only affects older women. While it’s true that the average age for ovarian cancer diagnosis leans towards older demographics, younger women can and do get this disease. Two-thirds of ovarian cancer diagnoses occur in women aged 55 and older. However, certain factors, like a family history of related cancers, can elevate risk even at a younger age.
Ovarian Cancer in Your Teens, 20s, and 30s: Rare but Possible
Ovarian cancer is indeed rare in individuals under 40. It’s particularly uncommon in teenagers and young women between 15 and 19. However, “rare” does not mean “impossible.”
Alt text: Thoughtful young woman in her twenties, highlighting the possibility of ovarian cancer at a young age.
Germ cell tumors are the most prevalent type of ovarian cancer diagnosed in teenage girls and young women, as well as young trans men and non-binary individuals. These tumors typically affect only one ovary. Early stages of germ cell cancers often present with subtle or no noticeable symptoms, but some individuals may experience abdominal discomfort or urinary issues. The good news is that germ cell cancers generally have a favorable prognosis when treatment is administered.
Data from the National Cancer Institute between 2015 and 2019 shows that only 1.4% of new ovarian cancer cases were in individuals aged 20 and under, and 4.4% in the 20-34 age group. These statistics underscore the rarity in younger demographics, but also highlight that it’s not zero.
Ovarian Cancer Risk in Your 40s: Increased but Still Lower Than Older Ages
As we move into the 40s, the risk of ovarian cancer starts to climb, though it’s still less common than in older age groups. Approximately 90% of ovarian cancer diagnoses occur in individuals over 40.
Alt text: Woman in her forties consulting with her doctor, emphasizing the rising risk of ovarian cancer and the need for medical advice.
For women, trans men, and non-binary individuals aged 35-44, 7% of new ovarian cancer cases were reported between 2015 and 2019. For those aged 45-54, this percentage jumps to 16.3%. Certain factors in your 40s can slightly increase your risk, such as having your first full-term pregnancy after 35 or never carrying a pregnancy to term.
The Average Age Range: Ovarian Cancer in Your 50s and 60s
The average age for ovarian cancer diagnosis falls within the 50s and 60s. In fact, over two-thirds of individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 55 or older. Nearly half of all ovarian cancer cases occur in women 65 years of age or older, with 63 being the median age at diagnosis. This means that half of the women diagnosed are younger than 63, and half are older.
Menopause, which typically starts around age 50, also plays a role. Women who experience menopause after age 55 may face a slightly increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. The highest percentage of new ovarian cancer cases between 2015 and 2019 was in the 55-64 age group, accounting for 24.4% of diagnoses.
Ovarian Cancer Risk in Your 70s and Beyond: Higher Incidence, Different Challenges
Unfortunately, prognosis tends to be less favorable for elderly and frail individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Older women are more likely to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage of the disease and may be less likely to receive aggressive treatments like radical surgery and chemotherapy.
Alt text: Senior woman in her seventies, representing the increased likelihood of ovarian cancer diagnosis in older women.
From 2015 to 2019, the percentage of new ovarian cancer cases in older age groups were:
- 65-74 years: 23.8%
- 75-84 years: 15.4%
- 85+ years: 7.2%
Notably, while the incidence rate decreases slightly after the 65-74 age peak, the rate of ovarian cancer deaths is highest among women aged 65-74.
Risk Factors That Can Lower the Average Age of Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
While age itself is a significant risk factor, certain other conditions can increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer at a younger age. These include:
- Having had breast cancer before age 40.
- A family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, or colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50.
- Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jewish ancestry, as BRCA mutations are more common in this population.
- Endometriosis.
- Experiencing early menstruation.
Understanding these factors can help individuals at higher risk to be more vigilant about symptoms and discuss screening options with their healthcare providers.
Proactive Steps to Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk at Any Age
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, several medical choices and lifestyle factors can potentially lower your risk:
- Using birth control pills for five or more years.
- Having a tubal ligation (tubes tied), removal of both ovaries, or a hysterectomy.
- Considering an opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) during planned pelvic surgery, which involves removing the fallopian tubes while leaving the ovaries intact. Research suggests this can prevent many high-grade serous ovarian cancers.
- For individuals at increased risk, considering bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries) or bilateral salpingectomy (removal of tubes only).
- Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies or a first full-term pregnancy before age 26.
- Breastfeeding for a year or more.
It’s crucial to discuss these risk-reducing measures with your doctor to understand the benefits and risks in your specific situation.
Key Takeaways: Know Your Risk and Stay Informed
Ovarian cancer, while relatively rare compared to other cancers, is a serious disease. The average age for ovarian cancer diagnosis is in the 50s and 60s, but it can affect women of all ages. Symptoms like abdominal swelling or bloating, pelvic pain, frequent urination, feeling full quickly, or changes in bowel habits should not be ignored.
Alt text: Supportive hand on a woman’s shoulder, conveying encouragement and support for individuals concerned about ovarian cancer.
There is no foolproof way to prevent ovarian cancer, and even those who have had their ovaries removed may still have a small risk of peritoneal carcinoma. Therefore, knowing your personal risk factors and staying informed is essential. Talk to your doctor, especially if you have persistent symptoms or a family history of ovarian, breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and needs support, resources are available. Contact the OCRA team for support every step of the way. https://ocrahope.org/patients/
