Ovarian Cancer Epidemiology Forecast

Key Highlights

• In 2024, in the 7MM, there were around 61,400 incident cases of ovarian cancer. The majority of ovarian cancer cases were epithelial subtype (~90%). 
• High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common form of epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
• There were around 12,400 estimated HGSOC cases in 2024 in the US.  
• Around 80% of HGSOC cases have advanced-stage (III–IV) disease. 
• Around 17–25% of patients with HGSOC have both germline and somatic BRCA mutations. Conversely, over 50% of low-grade serous ovarian cancers (LGSOC) have either BRAF or KRAS mutations.

DelveInsight’s “High- and Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer – Epidemiology Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth understanding of high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer, historical and forecasted epidemiology trends in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Geography Covered

• The United States
• EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom
• Japan

Study Period: 2021-2034

High- and Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Disease Understanding

Ovarian Cancer Overview

Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate and is the fifth most common cause of death among females worldwide. Its etiology remains unclear, but several factors, such as smoking, obesity, and an unhealthy diet, may influence the risk of ovarian cancer. A family history of breast and ovarian cancer is one of the primary risk factors, and mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are also associated with an increased risk.  

The histopathological classification of ovarian cancer identifies five primary types: serous, clear cell, endometrioid, mucinous, and un-specified, all of which are epithelial in origin, while other types are rare. Additionally, ovarian cancer is categorized into Type I and Type II. Type I tumors are most likely associated with atypical proliferative tumors and are typically detected at an early stage with a favorable prognosis. In contrast, Type II tumors include HGSOC, carcinosarcoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma, which often originate from tubal intraepithelial carcinoma of the serous type. Type II tumors are generally classified as high-grade, are commonly diagnosed at advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages and are associated with a poor prognosis.

Ovarian cancer often lacks obvious early symptoms, making detection difficult. However, common signs include abdominal bloating, feeling full quickly, frequent urination, pelvic or abdominal pain, digestive issues, menstrual irregularities, fatigue, pain during intercourse, and unexplained weight changes. While these symptoms may stem from other conditions, persistent or worsening signs warrant medical evaluation.

Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

Ovarian cancer is suspected based on symptoms, physical exams, and imaging tests like ultrasound, CT, or MRI, but a definitive diagnosis requires surgery. Blood tests like CA 125 can support suspicion but are not conclusive. The primary diagnostic procedure is exploratory laparotomy, where tissue samples are examined for cancer, and if confirmed, the surgeon removes as much cancerous tissue as possible (debulking). In some cases, a less invasive laparoscopy may be used. For advanced-stage cancer, biopsy confirmation is needed before chemotherapy. Surgery by a gynecologic oncologist improves outcomes, and fertility-preserving options may be considered for younger patients.

Further details related to the diagnosis are provided in the report…

High- and Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Epidemiology

The ovarian cancer epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by the total incident cases of ovarian cancer, age-specific cases of ovarian cancer, type-specific cases of ovarian cancer, stage-specific cases of HGSOC and LGSOC, and biomarker-specific cases of HGSOC and LGSOC in the 7MM market covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan from 2021 to 2034.

•  In the 7MM, the US accounted for the highest number of incident cases of High- and low-grade serous ovarian Cancer. In the 7MM, there were nearly 37,600 cases in 2024.
• Among EU4 and the UK, the UK had the highest number of cases of LGSOC, followed by Germany, whereas Spain was at the bottom of the ladder.
• The number of incident cases of HRD (gLOH = 16%) was much higher in HGSOC than in MAPK (BRAF/KRAS/NRAS/NF1). MAPK cases are predominant in LGSOC. In the US, in 2024, the HRD cases accounted for nearly 5,160.
• Data suggest that in LGSOC, the majority of cases have Stage III disease at diagnosis. About 70–80% of people are diagnosed with Stage III, and about 10% of people are diagnosed with Stage IV. In Japan, LGSOC early-stage and advanced-stage were around 30 and 325, respectively, in 2024.    

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a segment of critical events, an executive summary, and a descriptive overview of high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer, explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches.
• Comprehensive insight has been provided into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, and disease progression.
• The report includes a detailed review of the epidemiology of high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer, detailed assumptions, and the rationale behind our approach.
• A detailed review of current challenges in establishing the diagnosis.

High- and Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Report Insights

• Patient Population
• Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution

High- and Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Report Key Strengths

• Ten Years Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage 
• High- and Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Epidemiology Segmentation

High- and Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Report Assessment

• Epidemiology Segmentation
• Current Diagnostic Practices

Epidemiology Insights

• What are the disease risks, burdens, and unmet needs of high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer? What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM concerning the patient population with ovarian cancer (high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer)?
• What is the historical high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and, the United Kingdom, and Japan?
• What would be the forecasted patient pool of high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer at the 7MM level?
• What is the diagnosis rate of high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer?
• What is the distribution of high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer by major histological type?

Reasons to Buy

• Insights on patient burden/disease, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
• To understand the age-specific high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer cases in varying geographies over the coming years.
• A detailed overview of biomarker-specific and grade-specific cases of high- and low-grade serous ovarian cancer.
• To understand the perspective of key opinion leaders around the current challenges with establishing the diagnosis and insights on the recurrent and treatment-eligible patient pool.
• Detailed insights on various factors hampering disease diagnosis and other existing diagnostic challenges.