This is a sub-category of cancer (see Map 7 All cancer deaths).

See also Map 53 Cervical cancer, Map 62 Breast cancer and Map 76 Other uterine cancer.

There is little geographical patterning to mortality from ovarian cancer. The highest rates are found in the urban parts of Montgomeryshire, Ettrick and Lauderdale, North East Dorset and the rural parts of the Wrekin. Even for these areas, the SMR is only one and a half times the national average. However, there is clear, if slight, urban/suburban–rural differentiation in the West Midlands and around Greater London – with rates higher outside of the cities. This patterning coincides well with age of motherhood geographies; mothers tend on average to be older at the time of birth of their children in the south of England and the more affluent suburbs of cities.

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour of the ovary. The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but is strongly familial. The risk is increased by having many ovulations. A woman has fewer ovulations if her periods start later, if she has children and if she uses low-dose hormonal contraceptives.