Ovarian Cancer Statistics

Ovarian cancer affects tens of thousands of women in the United States each year. While its causes vary, legal claims have linked thousands of cases to asbestos exposure, often through contaminated talcum powder. Learn key ovarian cancer statistics, including how often it occurs, current survival rates, and why women are taking legal action after their diagnoses.

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Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore

Last updated: Oct 31, 2025

Ovarian Cancer Statistics 2025

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most serious cancers affecting women, often because it’s not detected until it has already spread.

Understanding the latest ovarian cancer facts and statistics can help raise awareness, improve early diagnosis, and highlight the need for accountability when exposure to dangerous products plays a role.

Key Facts About Ovarian Cancer

Over 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society.
Ovarian carcinoma is the fifth-leading cause of cancer death among women, as noted by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
A woman’s lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is about 1 in 91, and the risk of dying from it is about 1 in 143.
Only about 20% of ovarian cancers are detected early, when treatment is most effective, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The 5-year survival rate for women diagnosed in an intermediate stage is roughly 75%, but survival drops sharply for advanced-stage disease.
Tens of thousands of ovarian cancer cases have been linked to asbestos exposure from talcum powder products, and victims have already received billions of dollars in compensation.

Ovarian cancer affects women of every background and age group, though risk rises after menopause. In recent years, women have filed ovarian cancer lawsuits after learning that their diagnoses may be tied to asbestos-contaminated talc.

LawFirm.com has a network of asbestos attorneys who have secured over $10.7 billion for those harmed by asbestos-containing products like talcum powder.

Get a free case review to see if one of our legal partners can fight for you — there are no upfront costs or hourly fees, and help is available in all 50 states.

Statistics on Ovarian Cancer: Legal Aspects

Behind every statistic are real women whose lives have been forever changed by ovarian cancer and, in many cases, by corporate negligence.

Scientific and legal evidence has linked many diagnoses to asbestos-contaminated talcum powder. Major manufacturers were aware that their products contained asbestos fibers but chose not to inform the public to protect their profits.

Legal ovarian cancer facts include:

In 2009, Deane Berg filed the first ovarian cancer lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (J&J), alleging that the company’s talc products caused her ovarian cancer. While Berg won her case, the jury did not award damages.
In 2016, J&J suffered its first major legal defeat when a jury awarded $72 million to the family of a woman who died from ovarian cancer linked to the company’s talcum powder products.
In 2018, a Missouri jury ordered J&J to pay $4.69 billion to 22 women with ovarian cancer from talcum powder use. While the verdict was later reduced to $2.1 billion, it still sent a powerful message about corporate accountability and the dangers of asbestos-contaminated talcum powder.
Since then, over 90,000 talcum powder lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers and suppliers, with the majority involving ovarian cancer.
In 2023, J&J discontinued global sales of talc baby powder, transitioning to a cornstarch formula amid growing litigation over asbestos contamination.
In March 2025, a bankruptcy judge blocked Johnson & Johnson’s attempt to settle its talc cases through an $8 billion bankruptcy plan, clearing the way for ovarian cancer victims to continue pursuing justice in court.
Currently, more than 67,200 asbestos claims remain pending in talc litigation against Johnson & Johnson (J&J), most of which allege ovarian cancer caused by talc use.
To date, talc manufacturers and suppliers have paid billions of dollars to women who developed ovarian cancer after using their products.

Ovarian cancer statistics show just how many families have been impacted by talc-related illnesses — and that accountability and justice are possible through legal action.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or chat with a case manager to see if you may be eligible for compensation. It costs nothing to speak with us.

Ovarian Cancer Statistics by Age

Age is one of the strongest risk factors for ovarian cancer. While the disease can develop at any age, ovarian cancer risk is greatest in older women.

Statistics for ovarian cancer by age include:

Ovarian cancer rates are highest among women aged 55 to 64 years, according to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA).
The median age at diagnosis is 63 years, with half of women diagnosed before age 63, and half diagnosed after, as noted by the OCRA.
Though less common, ovarian cancer can still affect women under 40 and may be more aggressive when it occurs at a younger age.

Understanding ovarian cancer statistics by age can help women and their doctors recognize symptoms sooner and pursue earlier diagnosis, which may improve treatment outcomes.

Ovarian Cancer Statistics by Race & Ethnicity

Rates of ovarian cancer vary across racial and ethnic groups, showing how genetics, environment, and access to care can influence who is most affected.

Ovarian cancer statistics by race and ethnicity include:

White women experience the highest ovarian cancer rate at 10.6 cases per 100,000, according to national cancer data.
Hispanic women have an incidence rate of 9.4 per 100,000, slightly below the national average.
Asian and Pacific Islander women report about 9.2 cases per 100,000, among the lowest rates overall.
Black women have a rate of 8.7 per 100,000, but often face higher ovarian cancer mortality rates due to later diagnoses and treatment inequities.
American Indian and Alaska Native women have the lowest reported rate at 7.7 per 100,000, though data may be limited due to smaller sample sizes.

These ovarian cancer statistics show that, while the disease affects women of every background, addressing disparities in diagnosis and treatment is critical to improving outcomes for all.

Ovarian Cancer Survival Statistics

The survival rate for ovarian cancer measures the percentage of women who survive the effects of their cancer for a specific period, excluding deaths from other causes.

Survival statistics for ovarian cancer include:

The 5-year survival rate is 51.6%, based on data from the National Cancer Institute. This means that roughly 1 in 2 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer live 5 years or longer after their diagnosis.
Survival rates vary widely depending on factors such as age, overall health, stage of diagnosis, and how far the cancer has spread.

These ovarian cancer facts and figures help estimate overall outcomes but cannot predict an individual’s prognosis (health outlook). Every patient’s situation, treatment plan, and response to therapy are unique.

Early detection plays a major role in improving outcomes, as women diagnosed at earlier stages often have significantly higher survival rates.

Ovarian Cancer Death Statistics

Tracking ovarian cancer statistics related to death helps researchers understand long-term trends and the impact of early detection and treatment advances.

Ovarian cancer death statistics include:

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that about 12,730 women will die from ovarian cancer in 2025.
A woman’s lifetime risk of dying from ovarian cancer is about 1 in 143, as noted by the organization.
The median age of death from ovarian cancer is 70, based on data from the National Cancer Institute.
Ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer-related death among women and the most fatal gynecologic cancer.
The rate of ovarian cancer deaths has dropped by 43% since 1976, according to the ACS.

While ovarian cancer deaths have declined over the past few decades, the disease still claims thousands of lives each year. Continued progress in early detection, access to care, and research funding is key to further reducing mortality and improving outcomes.

If you lost a loved one to ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder, your family may be entitled to compensation. Get started with a free case review.

Ovarian Cancer Recurrence Statistics

Ovarian cancer recurrence occurs when cancer returns after initial treatment and a period of remission. Even with treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, small clusters of undetectable cancer cells can remain and later begin to grow again.

Ovarian cancer recurrence statistics include:

About 70% of women treated for ovarian cancer experience a recurrence, according to national cancer organizations.
Recurrence rates vary by stage at diagnosis: between 10-30% for women diagnosed in early stages (I or II) or 70-95% for those diagnosed in advanced stages (III or IV).
After recurrence occurs, median survival may drop to roughly 21 months, with many patients succumbing to the disease, as noted by the National Library of Medicine.

Ovarian cancer facts and figures surrounding recurrence highlight the importance of prompt treatment, close monitoring for symptoms, and planning for possible future treatment if the disease returns.

Ovarian Cancer Facts Related to Treatment

Ovarian cancer treatment usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The success of treatment depends on the stage at diagnosis, the type of surgery performed, and how much cancer remains afterward.

Ovarian cancer treatment statistics include:

In one large study of women with advanced ovarian cancer, about 40% had surgery before chemotherapy, and 39% had surgery after chemotherapy.
Doctors were able to remove all visible cancer in about 56% of women who had surgery first and 64% of those who had surgery after chemotherapy, an important factor linked to better outcomes.
After treatment, 53% of patients showed no signs of cancer, while 26% had a partial response.
A national study of more than 70,000 women found that those treated at high-volume cancer centers lived about 4 months longer on average and had lower surgical death rates than women treated elsewhere.
Even with treatment, up to 80% of women with advanced ovarian cancer may see the disease come back, according to the Cancer Research Center.

While advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and other drugs have improved outcomes, treatment for advanced ovarian cancer remains challenging. Personalized care continues to play an important role in improving survival.

The total cost of ovarian cancer health care can exceed $400,000, according to the National Library of Medicine. If asbestos-contaminated talc played a role in your disease, money from a talcum powder settlement can help cover treatment costs and more.

Get Help From a Talcum Powder Lawyer

If you or a loved one developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder, you may be eligible for compensation. Companies like Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that their talc products were contaminated with asbestos but failed to warn consumers.

A talcum powder lawyer can review your case, gather medical evidence, and fight to hold these companies accountable. Legal action can provide money for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering — and also justice for families who lost loved ones.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or get a free case review to see if you may qualify. There are no upfront costs, and our partner lawyers only get paid if you do.

Ovarian Cancer Statistics FAQs

What is the survival rate for ovarian cancer?

The 5-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer is about 51.6%, according to the National Cancer Institute. Survival rates are much higher when the cancer is found early — over 90% for localized cases — but only a small percentage of women are diagnosed at that stage.

What are the first signs of ovarian cancer?

Early signs of ovarian cancer are often vague and easy to mistake for other common conditions. However, persistent symptoms that don’t go away should never be ignored.

Common early symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
Fatigue, nausea, or unexplained weight loss
Feeling full quickly or having trouble eating
Frequent urination or needing to urinate urgently
Pelvic or lower back pain

Because these symptoms can mimic less serious issues, many women only get an ovarian cancer diagnosis once the cancer has already spread. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for a screening test as soon as possible.

What are the types of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer isn’t just one disease — it includes several types that start in different parts of the female reproductive system.

Ovarian cancer statistics by type include:

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common type, accounting for over 95% of all ovarian cancer cases. It usually begins in the cells covering the ovaries or fallopian tubes, and in some cases, the peritoneum (the tissue lining the abdomen).
Germ cell tumors start in the cells that form the eggs and are more common in younger women.
Stromal tumors develop in the connective tissue of the ovary, which produces hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These are much less common and often found at earlier stages.

Ovarian cancer incidence increases with age and is a major public health concern due to its high mortality rate.

Research and legal claims suggest that asbestos exposure from contaminated talcum powder may raise the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. If you or a loved one has been affected, you may be eligible for compensation. Get a free case review now.

What are the odds of getting ovarian cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, a woman’s lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is about 1 in 78. The lifetime risk of dying from the disease is approximately 1 in 143.

Risk increases with age, especially after menopause, and may also be higher for women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer or a BRCA gene mutation. Regular checkups and knowing your family medical history can help identify potential risks early.

Women who used talc-based powders in the genital area may also be at an increased risk, as some talc products may have been contaminated with asbestos. Compensation may be available — call (888) 726-9160 to see if you qualify.

How fast does ovarian cancer grow?

The growth rate of ovarian cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. The most common form, high-grade serous ovarian cancer, tends to grow and spread quickly, sometimes within a few months. Other types may develop more slowly over several years.

Because early symptoms are often mild or mistaken for digestive issues, many cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has already advanced beyond the ovaries. Regular checkups and awareness of persistent symptoms can help improve early detection.