The treatment options for ovarian cancer are personalized to you, considering the type, stage, and grade of your cancer, as well as your overall health and personal preferences. Your treatment could include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or other treatments like immunotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy.

Surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible, while chemotherapy aims to kill any remaining cancer cells. Targeted therapies focus on changes in cancer cells that help them grow, offering a more personalized approach. Additionally, supportive care plays a vital role in managing symptoms and maintaining your quality of life throughout treatment.

Understanding your treatment options

When facing a diagnosis, understanding the available treatment options for ovarian cancer is key to making thoughtful and informed decisions with your healthcare team. Explore more information about the available treatment options:

How is your ovarian cancer treatment plan determined?

After an ovarian cancer diagnosis, your healthcare team will discuss treatment options with you and determine the right treatment plan for you considering many factors. These factors could include information from imaging tests, blood tests, tissue samples, genetics, and tumor biomarkers.

How do genetic and biomarker tumor tests guide treatment options?

Genetic and biomarker tumor tests play a crucial role in personalizing ovarian cancer treatment. These tests uncover specific mutations and characteristics in your DNA and tumor, helping your healthcare team select the most effective therapies. Whether it’s identifying inherited mutations like BRCA1/BRCA2 or analyzing tumor biomarkers, such as HRD, these tests provide a roadmap for targeted treatments that can improve your outcomes.

How do clinical trials impact ovarian cancer treatment?

Clinical trials play an important role in advancing our understanding of ovarian cancer and developing new treatment approaches. By participating in clinical trials, patients may have the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments and contribute to the advancement of medical science. It’s essential for patients to discuss the possibility of participating in clinical trials with their healthcare team to determine if it’s a suitable option for their specific situation.

How can you manage the emotional impact of ovarian cancer treatment?

A diagnosis of ovarian cancer, without a doubt, may be one of the most stressful things you’ll ever experience. You and your loved ones are suddenly thrust into a world of medical tests, surgical procedures, and treatments. You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and scared. 

One thing you should know is that you are not alone. The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is here to support you, your family, and caregivers throughout your journey. 

Getting support from others who understand the journey can make a difference. We offer peer support groups where ovarian cancer survivors can connect, share experiences, and find strength in community.  NOCC’s Teal Hearts Network (ovarian cancer survivors), and Teal Cares Network (caregivers) are peer-to-peer online support groups that allow you to connect with other survivors and/or caregivers for the emotional support needed to navigate this journey. These groups are open to anyone with a current or past diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Questions to ask your doctor

It is okay to have questions about your treatment, especially if you do not know what to expect. It may help to bring a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as:

• What stage (extent) is my cancer, and what does that mean? Has my cancer spread beyond the ovaries? If so, what does this mean for me?
• What are my treatment options for ovarian cancer, and which do you recommend for me?
• Were any other tests done on my tumor that provide more information about my type of cancer? Will other tests be needed? If so, what kind? (genetic testing, biomarker testing)
• Is there a board of doctors reviewing my case (tumor board) and would this be beneficial? 
• Are there any clinical trials available that I might be eligible for?
• How often will I be given treatment?
• How long will my treatments last?
• Will I need a ride home after the treatment?
• Can I eat before I have the treatment?
• Can a family member or friend accompany me during the treatment?
• Do I need to stay in the hospital after the treatment?
• Can you walk me through the treatment? What will happen during it? How will I feel? Will there be immediate or long-term side effects? 
• Can I work during my treatment?
• Does my health insurance pay for my treatment?
• What are the most important quality-of-life issues for me?
• What are the goals of the treatment? 
• What support services are available to help me and my family cope with the emotional and practical challenges of ovarian cancer treatment?

Ovarian cancer treatment resources

To find more information about ovarian cancer treatment and side effects, visit these helpful resources:

• American Cancer Society – Treatment Ovarian Cancer
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network – Ovarian Cancer Treatment Guidelines 
• National Ovarian Cancer Coalition – Quality of Life Booklet
• You and Ovarian Cancer – Animated Patient Guide