Ovaries are female organs which produce female hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. There are three kinds of tissue in the ovaries and in each of these tissues may develop different types of cancer cells.

However, many types of tumours, which may develop in the ovaries are not malignant (cancerous) but benign. This means, the tumour cells will not spread to other organs and may be removed by removing the ovary as a whole or removing part of an ovary. Although, come ovarian cancer may commence developing outside the ovaries in the tissues lining the ovaries in the pelvic area.

Mostly, this cancer evolves in women after 40 who are going through the change in their life called menopause, which brings about changes in their menstrual cycles as the level of hormones is ranging.

Also, women who have had breast cancer or treatment which has altered their hormonal system are at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The risk of getting ovarian cancer may be considerably reduced by using birth control pills or also giving birth and breast-feeding. A proper diet consisting of enough vegetables is also of big help. Also, smoking and alcohol abuse are the main factors in causing most diseases.