Introduction
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour in the ovary. It is the sixth commonest cancer among females in Hong Kong and accounted for 4.0% of all new cancer cases in females in 2008.
New cases
In 2008, 455 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed and the crude incidence rate was 12.4 per 100 000 female population. The age-standardized incidence rate was 9.3 per 100 000 standard population. In the past two decades, the age-standardized incidence rate had an upward trend.
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of ovary, 1983-2000
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of ovary, 2001-2008
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of ovary, 1983-2000
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of ovary, 2001-2008
| Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized incidence rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
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Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
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Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9.
Figures from 2001 onwards only include ovarian cancer while figures for previous years include ovarian and other uterine adnexal cancers.
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| Sources: |
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Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health
Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority |
Mortality
Ovarian cancer is the eighth leading cause of female cancer deaths in Hong Kong. In 2009, a total of 140 women died from this cancer, accounting for 2.7% of all cancer deaths in females. The crude death rate of ovarian cancer was 3.8 per 100 000 female population. The age-standardized death rate of ovarian cancer was 2.5 per 100 000 standard population. In the past 29 years, the age-standardized death rate had a downward trend.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of ovary, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of ovary, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of ovary, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of ovary, 2001-2009
| Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized death rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
|
|
Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
|
|
Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9.
Figures from 2001 onwards only include ovarian cancer while figures for previous years include ovarian and other uterine adnexal cancers. |
| Sources: |
|
Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health |
Classification of diseases and causes of death is based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) 10th Revision from 2001 onwards. Figures from 2001 onwards may not be comparable with figures for previous years which were compiled based on the ICD 9th Revision. Hence, caution should be exercised when interpreting the trend of diseases across 2000 and 2001.
Ovarian cancer corresponds to codes 183 in ICD-9 and C56 in ICD-10.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic at early stage. Common symptoms include abdominal swelling and discomfort, frequency of micturition, changes in bowel habits, changes in menstrual pattern and postmenopausal bleeding.
Risk factors
The causes for ovarian cancer are not yet fully understood. Ovarian cancer is more common in older females. The median age at diagnosis is 49 in 2003. Other risk factors include obesity, nulliparity and family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer or colorectal cancer.
Prevention
Diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and less red meat especially those high in fat may help prevent ovarian cancer. Women should seek prompt medical advice if symptoms of ovarian cancer are present.
Related information
The Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening under the Cancer Coordinating Committee provides recommendations on preventive measures and screening of major cancers based on a standardised review of scientific evidence. To view the information, please click the following link.
For further information about women's health, please visit the website of the Health Zone. Health promotion and disease prevention services for women are available from the Family Health Service of the Department of Health.
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