What if I'm diagnosed with ovarian cancer?
Ovarian cancer can be a serious and scary diagnosis, but there are treatment and support options that can help.
What are the treatments for ovarian cancer?
Your ovarian cancer treatment options depend on what stage your cancer is in and how far outside of the ovary it’s spread. Treatment options can include surgery to remove your ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes, as well as radiation or chemotherapy. The earlier that your cancer is found, the more likely you are to beat it. Talk with your doctor or specialist about your specific treatment options.
If you’ve been treated for ovarian cancer, then you’ll need to have regular check-ups afterwards to make sure your cancer stays gone. These types of check-ups might include imaging like ultrasounds or MRIs, as well as blood tests and physical exams.
Will ovarian cancer affect my fertility?
Whether or not your fertility is affected will depend on how far your cancer has spread. If you only have it in 1 ovary, then it may still be possible to get pregnant in the future, because you’ll still release eggs from your other ovary. Sometimes cancer treatments — like surgery or chemotherapy — can impact your fertility, so talk with your doctor about what you can expect.
Where can I get more information?
You can get more information about ovarian cancer from your nurse or doctor, or at your local Planned Parenthood health center. You can also check out American Cancer Society for more info.