How effective is chemotherapy for ovarian cancer?

Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to reduce disease, after surgery to treat cells that could remain, or when cancer has returned. It can also ease abdominal swelling, pressure, pain or reduced appetite when these are caused by the cancer. Doctors follow symptoms, examination findings, blood tests and scans to assess whether treatment is helping. Some cancers respond for a time and then become less sensitive; the team may then consider a different medicine or supportive treatment. Nausea, tiredness, low blood counts, hair loss and nerve symptoms are possible effects.

Ask which ovarian cancer type is present and whether surgery, chemotherapy or both are planned. Tell the team about bowel symptoms, abdominal swelling, medicines and previous reactions. Eat and drink as tolerated, accept help with meals and activity, and ask about fertility or menopausal effects before treatment when relevant. Keep a written list of symptoms so changes are clear at each review.

Seek urgent advice for fever, shaking chills, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, marked abdominal enlargement, breathlessness or very little urine. These symptoms may need prompt assessment during chemotherapy.

What is the aim of chemotherapy for my cancer? How will you check response? What symptoms could indicate a bowel or fluid problem? Which side effects need urgent help? What support is available for nutrition, fertility or menopause symptoms?