Introduction

Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because its symptoms are subtle, vague, and easily mistaken for other conditions. Each year, thousands of women in the United States are diagnosed with this disease, yet outcomes are not equal across all communities. Black women, in particular, face unique challenges related to ovarian cancer, including later-stage diagnoses, disparities in treatment access, and worse survival rates compared to white women. Understanding these inequities is critical to improving prevention, early detection, and outcomes.

Ovarian Cancer Overview

Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably and spread to surrounding tissues. There are several types:

• Epithelial ovarian cancer (most common)

• Germ cell tumors (arising from egg cells)

• Stromal tumors (from hormone-producing tissue)

Common symptoms include: Persistent bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and/or urinary urgency or frequency. Because these signs are nonspecific, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Ovarian Cancer in Black Women: Disparities and Data

Research shows that ovarian cancer affects women of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, but survival rates differ significantly:

• Incidence: Black women are slightly less likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer compared to white women.

• Mortality: Despite lower incidence, Black women have higher death rates.

• Stage at Diagnosis: Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease.

• Treatment Gaps: Studies suggest Black women are less likely to receive guideline-based treatments such as surgery by a gynecologic oncologist or recommended chemotherapy regimens.

Factors Driving Disparities

Several interconnected factors contribute to these differences like access to care – Limited access to gynecologic oncologists, lack of insurance, and geographic barriers can delay diagnosis and treatment. Socioeconomic Inequities – Structural racism, income gaps, and neighborhood disadvantages reduce opportunities for early screening and specialist care. Medical Mistrust – Historical injustices in healthcare contribute to delays in seeking care and lower participation in clinical trials. Biological Factors – Ongoing research is exploring whether genetic differences play a role in treatment response and outcomes.

Improving Outcomes for Black Women

Addressing ovarian cancer disparities requires a multi-layered approach. Awareness and education, encouraging women to recognize early symptoms and advocate for care. Access to specialists, ensuring referral to gynecologic oncologists for both surgery and chemotherapy. Clinical trial participation, increasing enrollment of Black women in clinical trials to ensure equitable representation in research. Community outreach, partnering with trusted community organizations to provide culturally tailored education and support. Policy solutions, expanding Medicaid, improving insurance coverage, and reducing structural barriers to specialty care.

Prevention and Early Detection

Unlike cervical cancer, there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer. However, women at increased risk—such as those with a family history or BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic mutations—can benefit from genetic counseling and preventive strategies. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, and regular gynecologic checkups also support overall reproductive health.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer remains a serious health challenge for all women, but Black women face disproportionate burdens in survival and treatment access. Closing these gaps requires not only medical advances but also systemic changes to address inequities in healthcare delivery. By promoting awareness, expanding access to care, and investing in research that includes Black women, the medical community can take meaningful steps toward improving outcomes and saving lives.