How is ovarian cancer treated?

The team identifies the ovarian cancer type, examines where it has spread, and considers general health, symptoms, and the ability to undergo surgery. Surgery may remove the ovaries and other visible tumour deposits; this is called debulking when the aim is to remove as much visible disease as possible. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery, depending on the findings and treatment plan.

Tumour testing can look for inherited or acquired changes that affect treatment choices. PARP inhibitor therapy may be considered when the tumour’s biology makes that approach suitable. Abdominal swelling can occur when fluid collects in the abdomen; if this is malignant ascites, drainage and other supportive measures may be discussed alongside cancer treatment.

Tell the team about abdominal swelling, early fullness, pain, bowel or bladder changes, appetite, and weight change. Ask for nutrition, pain, and symptom support early. Discuss fertility, menopause, sexual health, and genetic counselling when relevant. Keep a complete medicine list and report new symptoms before each treatment visit.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, sudden abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine or stool, fainting, or heavy bleeding. During treatment, contact the care team promptly for fever, chills, worsening swelling, dehydration, or pain that is not controlled by the prescribed plan.

Ask whether surgery comes before or after chemotherapy, what debulking would involve, and how the plan addresses visible disease. Ask whether tumour or inherited testing is appropriate, including assessment for BRCA gene mutation or Lynch syndrome, and whether PARP inhibitor therapy could fit the results.