If you’ve been recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you might be wondering what happens next. Your treatment pathway is the journey of care and treatment you’ll start now.
Every woman’s experience with ovarian cancer treatment is different because the disease is complex. Your treatment will depend on the type of cancer, its stage and grade, and your overall health.
After your diagnosis, you’ll be assigned to a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists in gynecological cancer. This team will include a gynecological oncologist and a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). They will discuss and decide on the best treatment plan for you. Your oncologist will explain this plan at your next appointment.
Treatment will only start with your consent. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor questions until you fully understand your treatment and feel comfortable with the next steps. Here are some questions to ask:
- When will the treatment start?
- How long will it take?
- Are there any possible side effects?
- Is this the usual approach for my type of ovarian cancer?
- Are there other options?
- Who will oversee my treatment?
Once you agree to the treatment, you might have many more questions about your specific path.
This section gives you information on chemotherapy and surgery, the two most common types of ovarian cancer treatment. You can also read about other treatments, like radiotherapy and targeted therapies (such as PARP inhibitors), and learn more about clinical trials.
Remember, understanding your treatment plan and feeling comfortable with it is crucial. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team for clarity and support.
