How to treat or cure ovarian cancer

Treatment of ovarian cancer is planned by a team led by a gynaecological oncologist. The goal is to remove as much cancer as possible, control it and keep quality of life. Many women are treated successfully, and some are cured, particularly when it is found early.

Surgery

• Staging and debulking surgery: removing the ovaries, tubes, uterus, omentum and visible disease, and taking samples
• Fertility-sparing surgery: in selected early cases in young women, removing one ovary and tube only
• Surgery in a specialist centre gives better outcomes

Chemotherapy

Usually platinum and taxane drugs, either after surgery or before it to shrink the cancer. Most women need 6 cycles.

Maintenance and targeted treatment

PARP inhibitors or bevacizumab can delay return of the cancer. Gene testing guides the choice.

Follow-up

Regular visits, examination, CA-125 and scans as advised. If the cancer returns, further chemotherapy, targeted drugs, surgery or clinical trials may help.

Palliative and supportive care

Pain control, nutrition, emotional support and symptom care are offered at every stage, alongside treatment.

Complementary approaches

Yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic diet advice may help with well-being. They do not treat the cancer. Tell your team about any herbal product, as some interfere with chemotherapy.

What to avoid

Treatments that promise a cure, stopping chemotherapy for alternatives, and unregulated injections.

See a doctor if symptoms return after treatment, or you have fever, bleeding or severe pain.

Remember

Early, specialist-led treatment gives the best outcomes. You do not have to face it alone.