Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Your doctor will work out your treatment based on the stage and grade of your cancer as well as what is best for you. They will discuss all your treatment options in detail with you. They will discuss the benefits as well as the possible side effects. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – it is important you understand all your options.

The stage of your cancer describes how far the cancer has grown and how far it has spread. The main stages of ovarian cancer are numbered from 1 to 4 and each main stage has sub-stages.

Information and details on different types of ovarian cancer treatment; such as surgery, chemotherapy, biological therapies, radiotherapy and personalised medicine.

Menopause is a natural event that usually happens around the age of 50. However, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for ovarian cancer can cause ‘early menopause’ in women who have not yet reached menopause

Personalised medicine is a growing area of ovarian cancer research and treatment. Below you will find some more information on what personalised medicine is, and some information on current programs around Australia looking at personalised medicine in ovarian cancer.

Cancer that comes back is called a ‘recurrence’. A recurrence of ovarian cancer usually means the cancer has started to grow again near where the original cancer began or in another part of your body.

A clinical trial is a carefully designed research study involving people. Each study has a specific aim, which may include finding better ways to diagnose or treat ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer and its treatment can cause symptoms and side effects. These vary from woman to woman, at different times of the illness and treatment. Coping with these symptoms and side effects can be very difficult.

After completing treatment, many people go into a period of remission, where there is no evidence of ovarian cancer. Members of your healthcare team will talk with you about your follow-up care.