Sammanfattning
Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of death from a gynecologic cancer. Every year around 700 women contracts ovarian cancer in
Sweden. The overall survival is among the highest in Europe, but still long term relative survival is only 46%. It is a long-held myth that ovarian
cancer is a disease without symptoms. Almost 90% of women have symptoms, even in the early stages. Symptoms that should arise suspicion of
ovarian cancer and initiate diagnostic work-up are continuous abdominal extension, early feeling of satiety, pelvic or abdominal pain, urinary urge
and postmenopausal bleeding. Women’s awareness of symptoms and willingness to seek medical advice and the organization of the health care
system are important factors determining cancer survival. Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases with different tumor traits and
prognosis. Personalized medicine and preventive measures recognizing recent knowledge about tumor biology will positively affect survival.