If your cancer cannot be cured

If you’ve been told your ovarian cancer can’t be cured

Being told that your ovarian cancer cannot be cured can be incredibly difficult news to hear. You may feel shocked, overwhelmed, or unsure what the future might look like.

Although this diagnosis can be hard to process, remember, you are not alone: there is still support, treatment and care available to help you live as well as possible for as long as possible. Your healthcare team will focus on managing symptoms, supporting your well-being, and helping you make decisions that are right for you.

Everyone’s experience is different. You may want lots of information, or you may prefer to take things one step at a time. Both approaches are completely valid.

What does ‘incurable ovarian cancer’ mean?

Doctors may say your cancer is incurable, advanced, or not treatable with the aim of a cure.

This usually means that the cancer cannot be completely removed or controlled permanently. For some people, this is because the cancer has spread or returned after treatment. This doesn’t mean the same thing as ‘terminal’ or that you are at the end of your life, although this terminology can be quite confusing

If you have incurable ovarian cancer, treatments may still be available to:

• slow the cancer’s growth
• reduce symptoms such as pain or nausea
• help you feel as well as possible for as long as possible.

Some people live with advanced ovarian cancer with good quality of life for many months or years, depending on how the cancer responds to treatment and their overall health.

Treatment and care

If your ovarian cancer cannot be cured, you may still be offered treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies or other medicines. These treatments are sometimes used to control the cancer for as long as possible or to reduce symptoms.

Alongside this, you may be introduced to a palliative care team who are usually based in hospitals and hospices. Palliative care isn’t just about the final stages of life; it’s also about helping people live as comfortably and fully as possible by managing symptoms, supporting emotional wellbeing, and addressing practical concerns at any stage of your cancer treatment. There are often also options for respite care, to help support you and give your family or carers a break.

Palliative care specialists work alongside your cancer team and can support both you and the people close to you.

Managing symptoms

Living with advanced ovarian cancer can cause a range of physical symptoms, and these can change over time. Your doctors and nurses will work with you to manage any symptoms you experience and help keep you comfortable.

Many people worry about pain or other physical problems, but there are often effective ways to manage these. Medicines, procedures and supportive therapies can all help reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day wellbeing.

It is essential to inform your healthcare team about any symptoms you notice, even if they seem minor. They are there to help and have supported many people in this situation, so don’t be scared to reach out.

How you might feel

Being told that your cancer cannot be cured can bring many different emotions. Some people feel sadness or fear about the future, whilst others feel numb or unable to take everything in at first. You might also notice your feelings changing from day-to-day.

These feelings are normal, and everyone reacts differently.

Talking about how you feel can help. Some people prefer to speak with a partner, friend or family member. Others find it easier to talk with someone outside their immediate circle, such as a therapist, specialist nurse or support group.

We know it can be difficult to start these conversations. If helpful, we have guidance on how to talk to loved ones about your cancer diagnosis here.

Managing symptoms

Living with advanced ovarian cancer can cause a range of physical symptoms, and these can change over time. Your doctors and nurses will work with you to manage any symptoms you experience and help keep you comfortable.

Many people worry about pain or other physical problems, but there are often effective ways to manage these. Medicines, procedures and supportive therapies can all help reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day wellbeing.

It is essential to inform your healthcare team about any symptoms you notice, even if they seem minor. They are there to help and have supported many people in this situation, so don’t be scared to reach out.

How you might feel

Being told that your cancer cannot be cured can bring many different emotions. Some people feel sadness or fear about the future, whilst others feel numb or unable to take everything in at first. You might also notice your feelings changing from day-to-day.

These feelings are normal, and everyone reacts differently.

Talking about how you feel can help. Some people prefer to speak with a partner, friend or family member. Others find it easier to talk with someone outside their immediate circle, such as a therapist, specialist nurse or support group.

We know it can be difficult to start these conversations. If helpful, we have guidance on how to talk to loved ones about your cancer diagnosis here.