Ovarian cancer statistics in Australia

New cases

In 2021, there were 1,781 new cases of ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) diagnosed in Australia. In 2025, it is estimated that 1,929 new cases of ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) will be diagnosed in Australia. In 2025, it is estimated that a female has a 1 in 83 (or 1.2%) risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) by the age of 85.

In 2021, the age-standardised incidence rate was 14 cases per 100,000 females. In 2025, it is estimated that the age-standardised incidence rate will be 13 cases per 100,000 females. The incidence rate for ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) is expected to increase with age, up to 80–84 years.

The number of new cases of ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) diagnosed increased from 839 females in 1982 to 1,781 in 2021. Over the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate remained at 14 cases per 100,000 females. 

Deaths 

In 2023, there were 1,045 deaths from ovarian cancer in Australia. In 2025, it is estimated that there will be 1,061 deaths. In 2025, it is estimated that a female has a 1 in 154 (or 0.65%) risk of dying from ovarian cancer by the age of 85. 

In 2023, the age-standardised mortality rate was 7.5 deaths per 100,000 females. In 2025, it is estimated that the age-standardised mortality rate will be 7.2 deaths per 100,000 females. The mortality rate for ovarian cancer is expected to increase with age.

The number of deaths from ovarian cancer increased from 587 females in 1982 to 1,045 in 2023. Over the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate decreased from 11 deaths per 100,000 females in 1982 to 7.5 deaths per 100,000 females in 2023. 

Survival 

In 2017–2021, individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) had a 49% chance of surviving for five years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population. Between 1987–1991 and 2017–2021, five-year relative survival for ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) increased from 36% to 49%. 

Prevalence 

At the end of 2021, there were 1,518 people living who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) that year, 5,574 people living who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) in the previous 5 years (from 2017 to 2021) and 15,243 people living who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer (incl. serous carcinomas of the fallopian tube) in the previous 40 years (from 1982 to 2021).

For more information on cancer data, see the NCCI website 

The National Cancer Control Indicators (NCCI) are a set of indicators across the continuum of cancer care, from Prevention and Screening through to Diagnosis, Treatment, Psychosocial care, Research and Outcomes.  The NCCI website allows users to see visual representations of data on each indicator through interactive charts.