Ovarian Cancer Survival Rate: What Does It Mean for You

When someone is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, they often have a lot of questions about how well treatment will work and how long they will live. Survival rates can help you see how people with the same type and stage of ovarian cancer have reacted to treatment over time.

These numbers can give you some peace of mind or help you understand the situation, but they are only estimates, not predictions. Every individual’s situation is unique, and many factors influence your survival and recovery.

What does ‘relative survival rate’ mean?

A relative survival rate compares people with a certain type and stage of cancer to people in the overall population. 

For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific stage of ovarian cancer is 80%, it means that, on average, women with that cancer are 80% as likely to live for at least five years after being diagnosed as women who don’t have the disease.

Factors that affect ovarian cancer survival

Many factors affect how well you respond to treatment and how long you live after being diagnosed. Some of the most important factors are:

Stage at diagnosis

The stage at which ovarian cancer is diagnosed is one of the most important predictors of survival.

• Early-stage detection (stage 1 and 2):

  • The cancer is only in your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or nearby structures in the pelvic area.

  • In these cases, treatment is usually more effective, and the chances of long-term survival are higher.

• Advanced stages (stage 3 and 4):

  • The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the back of your abdomen, or to other organs like lungs, or liver.

  • These cases are more challenging to treat and usually have lower survival rates.

Cancer types

The ovaries contain different types of cells, and each one can develop into a different form of ovarian cancer. Some types grow faster or are more aggressive than others.

The most common types include:

• Epithelial ovarian cancer:

  • This is the most common kind, accounting for about 90% of all cases.

  • It begins in the layer of cells covering the surface of the ovary.

• Stromal cell tumours:

  • These rare cancers start in the supportive connective tissue of the ovary (stroma) that makes hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

  • One advantage is that they’re sometimes found earlier than other types.

• Germ cell tumours:

  • These develop from the egg-forming cells of the ovary

  • They are most common in teens and young women, and often affect just one ovary.

Overall health

Your overall health affects how well your body handles treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.

You usually recover faster and respond better to treatment if you have a strong immune system, a healthy body weight, and no major health problems like heart or kidney disease.

Age

Younger women usually have a better chance of getting better because their bodies recover faster after surgery and chemotherapy. They also tend to have fewer chronic conditions that can make treatment harder.

However, even older women can achieve good outcomes when ovarian cancer is detected early and treated appropriately.

Surgical treatment outcomes

The success of the initial surgery has a major impact on the survival rate of ovarian cancer. If your surgeons can remove all visible tumours, you may have better long-term outcomes and lower risk of recurrence of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer survival rate

The overall 5-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer in Singapore is about 43%. However, early detection and timely treatment greatly improve the chances of recovery. Around 45% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at stage 1, when the 5-year relative survival rate is close to 90%.

Unfortunately, about 20% of patients have stage 4 ovarian cancer, which has a much worse prognosis and a 5-year survival rate of only 19%.

Early detection and timely treatment can make a life-changing difference in ovarian cancer outcomes. At Thomson Medical, our gynaecological oncologists combine advanced diagnostic technology with personalised care to help you achieve the best possible prognosis. Request an appointment today for early evaluation and expert treatment.

What should you know about survival rates?

When reviewing survival rates, it's important to understand their limitations::

• They reflect the stage at initial diagnosis:

  • Survival rates apply to how advanced the cancer is when it’s first found.

  • If the cancer grows, spreads, or returns after treatment, these original statistics no longer apply to your situation..

• They're based on past data:

  • Survival rates usually reflect outcomes of patients diagnosed and treated at least five years ago..

  • Because treatments continue to improve, current patients may have better outcomes than these statistics suggest.

• They can't predict individual outcomes:

  • Statistics represent averages from large groups of people.

  • It may help you and your doctor understand your prognosis better but can't tell you exactly how long you will live or how well your specific treatment will work.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, remember that every case is unique. At Thomson Medical, our oncology specialists provide personalised treatment plans and ongoing support. Request an appointment to discuss your treatment options with our experts.

FAQ

How long do I live with ovarian cancer?

It depends on many factors such as the stage and type of cancer, your age and overall health. In general, many women live for years after diagnosis, especially when the cancer is found and treated early.

Is ovarian cancer treatable if caught early?

Yes, when detected in the early stages, ovarian cancer is highly treatable, and many women can be cured completely. For instance, about 95% of women with stage 1 ovarian cancer live five years or more after diagnosis.

What is the main cause of ovarian cancer?

There’s no single cause of ovarian cancer. It often develops from a combination of factors including genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), family history of certain cancers, increasing age, and hormonal factors. Most cases occur without an identifiable hereditary cause.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and changes in urination or bowel habits.

Is ovarian cancer linked to HPV?

No, ovarian cancer is not caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is mainly linked to vaginal, vulvar, and cervical cancers.

What age group is most affected by ovarian cancer?

Most ovarian cancer occurs in women over 40, with the highest rates in those aged 60 and older. The median age at diagnosis is approximately 63. However, if you have a family history of ovarian, breast, uterine, prostate, or colorectal cancer, your risk may be higher at younger ages.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical.Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

References

1. Lweeks. (2025, October 7). Can You Get Ovarian Cancer At Any Age? - Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. https://ocrahope.org/news/can-you-get-ovarian-cancer-at-any-age/

2. P. Coleman, M., & Matz, M. (2025). Trends over 48 years in a one-number index of survival for all cancers combined, England and Wales (1971–2018): a population-based registry study. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, 56(101385). https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(25)00177-2/fulltext

3. NHS. (2023). Cancer Survival in England, cancers diagnosed 2016 to 2020, followed up to 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/cancer-survival-in-england/cancers-diagnosed-2016-to-2020-followed-up-to-2021

4. Survival for ovarian cancer. (n.d.). https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer/survival

5. National Registry of Diseases Office. (2022). Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021.

6. National Registry of Diseases Office. (2022). Singapore Cancer Registry 50th Anniversary Monograph – Appendices.