UPMC’s high-risk ovarian cancer services help doctors identify who is at risk for ovarian cancer.
Some women carry certain genes that make them more likely to develop ovarian cancer. If genetic testing shows you have a high risk of ovarian cancer, our specialized monitoring can help catch it early.
The sooner doctors identify ovarian cancer, the easier it is to treat, which makes a better outcome more likely.
What Are the High-Risk Ovarian Cancer Services?
UPMC specializes in identifying and monitoring women with high-risk factors for ovarian cancer through our partnership between UPMC Magee-Womens and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
We offer genetic counseling, prevention strategies, and education for women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer.
Finding ovarian cancer early helps doctors provide the right treatment for each person. There isn't a single screening test for ovarian cancer, but our program can help identify those most at risk.
What Do We Assess?
We assess risk factors for ovarian cancer. We may recommend further testing and treatment at UPMC.
What is ovarian cancer?
Cancer happens when cells in the body grow out of control.
Ovarian cancer starts in one or both ovaries. It can begin on the outside or inside of the ovary. Ovarian cancer may then spread to other parts of the body.
Ovarian cancer is not common, but it’s the top cause of death from any gynecologic cancer in the U.S. That’s because there are usually no symptoms in the early stages. Also, later symptoms — like pelvic pain and bloating — are vague.
Women often don’t know they have ovarian cancer until it reaches an advanced stage and spreads beyond the ovaries.
There are four stages of ovarian cancer:
- Stage I — Cancer is in one or both ovaries.
- Stage II — Cancer has spread to the pelvic region.
- Stage III — Cancer has spread to the abdomen.
- Stage IV — Cancer has spread beyond the abdomen into the lungs or other parts of the body.
There are different types of ovarian cancer, but epithelial ovarian cancer, which develops on the outside of the ovaries, accounts for 90% of all ovarian cancers.
The most common type of epithelial ovarian cancer is high-grade serous ovarian cancer. This type of ovarian cancer is often aggressive; it can spread quickly from the ovaries into the abdomen. Only about 30% of people with high-grade serous ovarian cancer survive over five years.
Who’s Eligible for the High-Risk Ovarian Cancer Program?
We see anyone who is at high risk for ovarian cancer.
High risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
- Age — Most cases of ovarian cancer occur in women over the age of 55.
- Ethnic background — Women of Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage tend to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
- Family history — Your risk of ovarian cancer is higher if a close family member on either side of your family had it. That includes your mother, sisters, aunts, or grandmothers. If more than one family member had ovarian cancer, your risk may be even higher.
- Genes — Having the genetic mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 raises your risk of getting ovarian cancer. So does having the genetic mutation associated with Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the risk for colorectal and other cancers.
- History of endometriosis — In endometriosis, tissue from the lining of the uterus grows into other parts of the body. Having endometriosis in the past raises your risk of ovarian cancer.
- Hormone therapy — This common treatment for menopause may slightly increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Menstrual history — Starting your menstrual cycle before 12 or reaching menopause after 52 raises your risk of ovarian cancer.
- Never being pregnant — No pregnancies or having trouble getting pregnant is a risk factor for ovarian cancer.
- Obesity — Being overweight can increase your risk for many cancers, including ovarian cancer.
- Previous history of cancer — If you've had breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer, you’re more likely to get ovarian cancer.
- Radiation to the pelvis — Getting radiation for another cancer type may increase your chance of getting ovarian cancer.
- Smoking — Tobacco products increase your risk of most cancers, including ovarian cancer.
What Services Do We Offer?
UPMC offers a range of screening and diagnostic services. We can recommend a personalized surveillance plan based on your medical history, family history, and physical exams.
This plan may include:
Genetic counseling and testing
- Discover how your family history contributes to your ovarian cancer risk.
- Learn if you have an increased likelihood of getting ovarian cancer.
- Make informed medical decisions about your future.
Prevention strategies
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Quit smoking.
- Schedule regular pelvic exams.
- Set up a plan to monitor your health, including regular doctor visits and testing.
Research studies
- Find out if you are eligible for UPMC ovarian cancer research studies.
- Participate in ovarian cancer research to improve early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease.
- Take advantage of the most recent treatment options available.
Risk assessment and screening
- CT scans.
- MRIs.
- Regular physical exams.
- Specific blood tests that measure proteins sometimes elevated in ovarian cancer.
- Ultrasound.
What Can I Expect?
Unfortunately, there’s not one universal screening test for ovarian cancer. But we offer various screening options for those with high risk factors, including:
- Blood tests.
- Regular physical exams.
- Scans.
Our doctors can use these tools to provide an overall snapshot of your ovarian cancer risk factors.
If you have concerns about your family history or other risk factors, you may benefit from genetic counseling.
Preparing for your genetic counseling visit
- Call your insurance provider to find out if they will cover the visit.
- Gather any relevant family medical history. Get as much specific information as you can about cancer in your family.
- Provide medical records if we don’t have access to them.
During the appointment
You will meet with a genetic counselor for about an hour. They will review your personal and family history. They will also discuss:
- Cancer screening options.
- How cancer risks might affect you and your family.
- Potential research studies.
- Risks, benefits, limitations, and costs of genetic testing.
- The role of genes in your cancer risk.
- The types of genetic tests available for ovarian cancer.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2026-08-06.
