Raise awareness, spread knowledge, and promote early detection.
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer, affecting over 20,000 women in the United States each year. Early detection of ovarian cancer can be challenging because its early warning signs are often vague and not specific to ovarian cancer alone. As a result, delays in diagnosis are common, making awareness of risk factors, early signs and symptoms, and available testing essential for timely detection.
Risk Factors
Understanding your personal risk for ovarian cancer can help you make informed decisions about testing and prevention.
Common risk factors include:
Family history of ovarian, breast, or related cancers
Inherited genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome)
Age (risk increases after 50)
Personal medical history (endometriosis)
Never having been pregnant
Certain reproductive history factors (starting menstrual cycle before 12 years old, starting menopause after 52 years old)
Being above a healthy weight range
Long-term use of menopausal hormone therapy may slightly raise the risk of ovarian cancer)
Early Detection
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect because early signs and symptoms are often subtle and attributed to other common health concerns.
These may include:
Bloating or abdominal swelling
Abdominal and/or pelvic pain and discomfort
Changes in appetite or feeling full quickly
Fatigue or unexplained low energy
Urinary urgency or frequency
Weight loss
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
Available Testing and Prevention Tools at HerMD
At HerMD, we believe every patient deserves personalized insight into their cancer risk. That’s why HerMD providers offer a range of tools and assessments to help patients understand their risk and take proactive, informed steps toward early detection and better health outcomes.
These include:
MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer Test – a genetic screening tool designed for individuals with a family history of certain cancers. It analyzes 48 genes to identify an individual’s risk of developing 11 types of hereditary cancers, including ovarian cancer, taking into account both personal and family history, and is collected via a simple blood or saliva sample.
It also includes a RiskScore, which provides a comprehensive, personalized assessment of an individual’s five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection test – a blood test that screens for cancer signals in DNA and, if a signal is detected, can predict where in the body the cancer cells may have originated. Galleri® can detect signals from more than 50 types of cancer, helping identify cancers early, often before symptoms appear.
The Galleri® test is recommended for adults with an elevated risk of cancer, such as those aged 50 and older. It is also available to individuals who do not carry known genetic mutations but have a strong family history of cancer.
Targeted HerMD Diagnostic panels – For individuals at increased risk of ovarian cancer, HerMD partners with specialized labs to offer targeted genetic testing panels, as well as tests for suspected ovarian masses.
Additional Tests and Procedures
Depending on individual risk and symptoms, HerMD providers may also recommend:
Pelvic exams – a routine physical check to assess reproductive organs
Imaging tests – such as ultrasound, particularly if symptoms are present
Blood tests – including tumor markers like CA-125, which can detect proteins often found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells
Why This Matters
Many patients come to HerMD feeling uncertain about their risk, especially if they have a family history of breast, ovarian, or related cancers. By using these assessments and diagnostic tools together, HerMD providers can move beyond “wait and see” to evaluate risk, detect potential ovarian cancer early, and deliver proactive, personalized care.