Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

Ovarian cancer can occur at any age, but it is most common in women over the age of 63. According to the American Cancer Society, about 19,880 women in the United States will be diagnosed this year. The Centers for Disease Control advises that if you experience any symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer—such as abdominal bloating or pain, changes in bowel habits, unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge—it’s important to see your doctor right away so that he or she can rule out other potential causes and determine whether further testing is needed.  The CDC outlines more symptoms on their website here. Read on for diagnosis, treatment options, and the many support programs available.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, financial help is available. Our free national nonprofit resources include grants, housing, prescription assistance, and more for ovarian cancer patients in the USA. Please reach out to get the support you deserve at no cost to you. ❤️

Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

If you are experiencing symptoms, your doctor may order one or more diagnostic tests, such as a pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound (a test that uses sound waves to create a picture of your reproductive organs), computed tomography (CT) scan (a type of X-ray that produces detailed images of your internal organs), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (a type of scan that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your internal organs).  Learn more about the tests that help to diagnose ovarian cancer here on the National Cancer Institute’s website.

Treatment Options

Once a diagnosis of ovarian cancer has been made, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.  As the National Cancer Institute summarizes, the standard treatment for ovarian cancer is surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Depending on the stage of your cancer, you may have a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and/or a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries). In some cases, only a partial hysterectomy may be necessary.

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for ovarian cancer before or after surgery. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously (through an IV) or orally (in pill form). Most people with ovarian cancer will receive a combination of two or more chemotherapy drugs that combine a platinum-based (usually carboplatin) and a taxane-based (usually paclitaxel) treatment. Hormone therapy is another treatment option for ovarian cancer. Common hormone therapy drugs used to treat ovarian cancer include Aromatase inhibitors, such as letrozole and anastrozole. More treatment information can be found on the NCI website here.

New Treatment Options

New treatment discoveries for ovarian cancer are ongoing. Immunotherapy is an example of a newer type of treatment that stimulates your immune system to attack the cancer cells. Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Durvalumab are being studied in ovarian cancer. Early results from clinical trials have shown that immunotherapy agents may be effective in treating this disease. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and would like more information about current and breakthrough treatments that might be right for you, it is best to talk to your oncology care team about appropriate options.

Free Support After An Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis is a lot to process, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. However, there are many free resources available to help you and your family, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. You are not alone. These national nonprofit organizations and support groups that can offer you practical help and emotional support right now. Be sure to check our national directory for an updated list of free programs, products, and services just for ovarian cancer patients. From grants to care packages, our directory is filled with zero-cost assistance programs just for you. ❤️

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is one of the largest ovarian cancer organizations in the United States. The NOCC provides information about ovarian cancer, including the latest research on the disease, and offers a variety of resources for patients, caregivers, and family members including support groups and online forums and a toll-free helpline (888) 682-7426 to get you the financial assistance you need for free. They not only offer support to women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer but also to their families and loved ones to best uplift all affected by this terrible disease.

❤️ For more financial assistance programs, please visit our national directory for ovarian cancer patients.

Teal it Up

Teal it Up is a nonprofit organization that provides information about ovarian cancer, including the latest research on the disease. This organization also offers a variety of resources, such as free care packages, online peer support programs, professional case navigators, educational events, and more for cancer patients, caregivers, and loved ones. In addition, Teal it Up is active in advancing research by raising money to promote new studies and treatment options.

❤️ Please visit our national directory for ovarian cancer patients for more free care packages and support.

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)

The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is a nonprofit organization that was founded to “end ovarian cancer through scientific discovery and education.” OCRA funds research on all aspects of ovarian cancer and provides information about ovarian cancer, including the latest research on the disease and national support services that can help you with financial, care, and treatment concerns for free today.

❤️ For more pro support programs, please visit this link for national services for ovarian cancer patients.

The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society provides information about ovarian cancer, including the latest research on late-breaking treatment for this disease. If you would like more information about ovarian cancer—including risk factors, prevention strategies, early detection methods, treatment options—ACS offers free financial resources and professional support services 24 hours a day/7 days a week through their National Cancer Information Center at (800) 227-2345 or online. ACS also offers personalized peer support groups and online forums to connect with others sharing similar experiences.

❤️ See our national directory for ovarian cancer patients for more financial support programs.

OCRA Clinical Trials Finder

The OCRA Clinical Trials Finder provides a valuable online resource for women with ovarian cancer who would like to match to a trial. This tool helps individuals locate clinical trials for which they may be eligible. The Clinical Trials Finder includes a searchable database of hundreds of clinical trials in the United States and around the world. You can use the online Clinical Trials Finder to find trials by location, phase of trial, cancer type, and keyword. The search results include a brief description of each trial, the contact information for the research center conducting the trial, and a link to the study’s website.  Call a Clinical Trials Navigator at (800) 535-1682 Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm ET for free support over the phone.

❤️ For additional medical programs at zero cost for ovarian cancer patients, visit our national directory.

Get the Help and Support You Deserve

After a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, the first thing to know is that you are not alone. Free resources and support programs are available from many nonprofit organizations that want to help you right now. Please be sure to seek out support from organizations like Teal it Up, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), and Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) to help you from the moment you are diagnosed. These organizations offer current information about ovarian cancer, treatment options, and financial resources and support services tailored to your needs as an ovarian cancer patient.

For many more free products, programs, and services, please visit our national directory for ovarian cancer patients in the USA. ❤️