Ovarian Cancer Treatment and Support
Access highly specialized care from dedicated gynecologic cancer specialists.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you want answers and treatment right away. The gynecologic cancer specialists at Novant Health will work quickly to provide advanced care for you in a supportive environment. You’ll receive highly specialized medical care from cancer experts trained to perform complex surgeries and deliver the latest treatments. You’ll be surrounded by a team of support staff including a nurse navigator who will guide you through your cancer journey so you can focus on your emotional and physical needs.
Understanding ovarian cancer
As you age your risk of developing ovarian cancer increases. Ovarian cancer is rare in women under 40 years, with half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older.
Ovarian cancer occurs when the cells within the ovaries, which produce eggs and hormones, become cancerous. While the exact cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known, in some cases your genes and family history play a role. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene and Lynch Syndrome may increase your risk of ovarian cancer.
Your care team will work closely with our genetics counseling team to develop a prevention and treatment plan based on your specific risk factors and diagnosis. If your cancer is inherited, it can also change how you are screened for other cancers.
What are ovarian cancer symptoms?
Ovarian cancer symptoms vary from fatigue, abdominal bloating, and decreased appetite to pressure or pain. This type of cancer can spread rapidly so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. With more than 30 different types of ovarian cancer, you’ll want to work with our experts to carefully diagnose and begin your treatment.
Ovarian cancer treatments
Treatment for ovarian cancers typically involve a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Once you are diagnosed, a collaborative team of specialists at Novant Health Cancer Institute will develop an individualized treatment plan for you. Your care team will take into consideration multiple factors such as your overall health, current medical problems, and cancer stage.
As a high-volume ovarian cancer center, you can expect comprehensive treatment from your Novant Health gynecologic oncology team. In addition to surgery, we may use chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapies depending on your individual stage and type of cancer.
Who treats ovarian cancer?
Gynecologic oncologists
Your care team will be led by a gynecologic oncologist, a highly specialized expert in cancers of the female reproductive system. Your gynecologic oncologist can diagnose ovarian cancer and manage your overall treatment including chemotherapy and maintenance therapy.
A gynecologic oncologist is also a board-certified surgeon, skilled at performing complex surgeries using the latest technology-assisted surgical equipment. As one of the top performers of gynecological surgery in the state, the gynecologic oncologists at Novant Health Cancer Institute provide the latest treatments and access to clinical trials.
Radiation oncologists
While not a typical treatment for ovarian cancer, radiation may be recommended along with surgery and chemotherapy for certain types of cancer. As part of your collaborative cancer team, your radiation oncologist prescribes, oversees, and performs any radiation therapies you may require.
Other specialists
Treating ovarian cancer involves more than just eliminating tumors. Depending on the nature of your cancer, you'll have many specialists on your side. These could include a nurse navigator, symptom management, genetic counselors, physical therapist, dietitian, and therapists to help with the emotional highs and lows of cancer treatment.
Why Choose Novant Health?
Accredited by multiple national organizations, including the Commission on Cancer and the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), your Novant Health physician is committed to providing excellence in cancer care. You can feel confident that you will be supported throughout your cancer journey by a specialized team of experts focused on your specific needs. We work in state-of-the-art cancer care centers that are among the best in the country.
Your cancer journey is unique. That’s why our nationally recognized cancer teams work with you to develop a personalized care plan. At Novant Health, you’ll have access to the most current treatment options available only at leading cancer institutes. Your treatment may include clinical research trials or robotics, microsurgeries, new radiation technologies, or cellular and immune therapies. Together, we can treat your cancer, manage your symptoms, and provide you with support at all stages.
You're not alone on your cancer journey. At Novant Health, rest assured you’ll have all the resources you need to tackle your life-changing diagnosis. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach brings together experts with knowledge from different specialties to support you every step of the way. In addition to oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons, your team may include nurse navigators, nutritionists, integrative medicine specialists, genetic counselors, social workers, symptom management and palliative care specialists, and more.
Your Cancer Support Services
Our patient navigators are specially trained nurses dedicated to guiding you throughout your entire treatment journey. They'll help you understand your diagnosis, review your uterine cancer treatment options with you, answer questions, help you schedule appointments to minimize clinic visits, and provide resources and encouragement every step of the way.
Cancer impacts your whole family. Take advantage of Novant Health’s cancer resources like free counseling, cancer support groups, wellness programs, and financial resources to help you and your loved ones manage your emotional needs during cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Fighting cancer can take a toll on your body. To help you get stronger and more comfortable, we offer a wide range of personalized uterine cancer symptom management services that can include nutrition counseling, exercise coaching and physical therapy, such as pelvic floor training. Many of our clinics provide access to board-certified specialists in Palliative Care and Symptom Management as well.
At Novant Health, we’re committed to care for the whole patient during uterine cancer treatment. Integrative medicine is evidence-based treatment that, when combined with traditional therapies, can enhance your overall healing and well-being through treatment and beyond. We’ll connect you with holistic care that may include services like pet therapy, massage, meditation, nutrition counseling, wellness programs, acupuncture and yoga.
Most cases of cancer occur by chance. However, sometimes cancer can be hereditary, which means that it runs in the family. Genetic counseling and genetic testing can help determine if you or your family members are at an increased risk to develop certain types of cancer. Understanding your hereditary risk for cancer can help prevent cancer, detect it early, or even impact treatment decisions for an existing cancer. Novant Health genetic counselors can talk to you about your family history of cancer and genetic testing options.
Experience the Future of Cancer Care, Today.
Together, we can beat cancer. Clinical research studies drive breakthroughs in the prevention, detection and treatment of many cancer conditions.
If eligible to join a clinical trial, you could access new cancer treatments before they’re available to the general public. Explore clinical trials and speak with your cancer team to see if any are right for you.
Search for Clinical Trials at Novant Health
You’re Entitled to a Second Opinion.
Are you concerned or confused about a cancer diagnosis or treatment recommendation you've received?
Another perspective on your case and options can give you some peace of mind. Reach out for a virtual session or in-person consultation.