Ovarian cancer
Last update
In 2024, 564 women in Norway were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The incidence has decreased in recent years for women between the ages of 50 and 69, and the mortality rate has dropped for all age groups over the past 40 years.
About ovarian cancer
The incidence of ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer (collectively referred to as ovarian cancer) has shown a decline in recent years for women between the ages of 50 and 69, but has remained stable in the age group over 70 years.
Mortality has declined over the past 40 years for all age groups. Borderline tumours more often affect younger women (median age 55 years), while ovarian cancer affects older women to a greater extent (median age 66 years). The majority of women have had symptoms before going to a doctor (81 per cent of women in 2022).
Cancer of the surface layer of the ovaries is often detected late in the disease course because the symptoms are diffuse, and the disease is thus difficult to detect. 70 per cent of women have metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The degree of spread is important for the treatment that can be offered and also for the patient's prognosis.
Key figures - ovarian cancer 2024
(includes cancer in the ovary, fallopian tube, and peritoneum)
New cases
564
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
17.4
5-year relative survival (2020-2024)
50.0 %
Cancer survivors
5,341 people as of December 31, 2024
Deaths (2023)
331
Accumulated risk of developing ovarian cancer by age 80 (2010-2024)
1.5 %
Risk factors
The cause of cancer is usually not known, but there are certain factors that can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer occurs more often in women who have not given birth than in women who have gone through childbirth.
Early menstruation and/or late menopause increase the risk. This suggests that the sex hormones and the number of ovulations a woman undergoes may have an impact.
Some scientific studies show that some types of endometriosis (the same tissue that is inside the lining of the uterus) is outside the uterus, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can give a slightly elevated chance of getting this type of cancer.
It may appear that tall women are more likely to get the disease than low ones. The association seems to be strongest in women before menopause.
Radiation therapy for previous cancers, and women who have previously had breast cancer are at higher risk.
Between 5 and 15 percent of all cases are due to inheritance.
Source: helsenorge.no
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.