Ovarian cancer

Alternative names:

cancer of the ovaries

Treatment:

OVERVIEW:
Surgery is the preferred treatment and is frequently necessary for diagnosis. Chemotherapy is most frequently used as adjunctive therapy. Radiation therapy may be considered but is used less often than chemotherapy after surgery.

The stress of illness can often times be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed in its early stages; it is usually quite advanced by the time diagnosis is made. The outcome is often poor: the 5-year survival rate for all stages is only 35 to 38%. If, however, diagnosis is made early in the disease, 5-year survival rates can reach 85%.

Complications:

• spread of the cancer to other organs
• progressive function loss of various organs

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are a woman over 40 years old who has not followed the recommendation for an annual Pap smear and pelvic examination. (Note: routine Pap smears and pelvic examinations are recommended for all women over 20 years old.).

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms appear.