Cancer survival rates are typically discussed as 5-year relative survival, or as the proportion of patients alive five years after diagnosis. In the United States, national data shows that in women with ovarian cancer, 51.6% are still alive five years after diagnosis.
Ovarian cancer survival remains poor due to a number of factors, some of which include: the absence of a reliable screening test, the high number of women diagnosed with late-stage disease, and the tendency for ovarian cancer to eventually resist chemotherapy and recur. Roswell Park researchers are currently working to find solutions to each of these factors.
Patients diagnosed with early-stage disease fare significantly better. The National Cancer Institute provide survival statistics for three general stages of cancer. These statistics are based on ovarian cancers that were diagnosed between 2018 and 2022.
- Localized disease, where the cancer is confined to the primary site: 91.7%
- Regional disease, where cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes: 70.7%
- Distant disease that has metastasized to other body areas: 31.8%.
Learn more ovarian cancer statistics from the National Cancer Institute.
How Roswell Park optimizes your survival
As a national leader in cancer care, Roswell Park’s approach includes several components that maximize survival and quality of life, including:
- Genetic testing for all patients with ovarian cancer to detect any genetic variants that could mean that you are more likely to respond to a specific treatment.
- High-volume expertise in complex gynecologic surgery.
- Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, a highly specialized treatment that administers heated chemotherapy to the abdomen after radical debulking surgery.
- Clinical trials of the latest emerging approaches, such as new immunotherapies, CAR T-cell therapies, targeted agents, antibody drug conjugates and others, including options for recurrent, and chemotherapy-resistant disease.
- High Risk GYN Program that provides genetic screening, advanced surveillance and preventive options to women at high risk for developing ovarian and other gynecologic cancers
Survivorship & Supportive Care Center
This center brings together many of Roswell Park’s clinical and supportive services, specifically designed for patients who have completed active treatment. Our cancer survivorship experts can help:
- Detect and manage any complications or side effects from your disease or its treatment.
- Restore body and soul with rehabilitative therapy, nutrition counseling, and emotional support and guidance.
- Create a plan that will be your roadmap to your healthiest lifestyle possible.