Ovarian Cancer

Counseling

Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of ovarian cancer. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or info@cancercare.org.
Learn more about counseling.

Resource Navigation

Learn more about how CancerCare Resource Navigation can help you address barriers to care.

Financial Assistance

Find resources and support to manage your financial concerns. Limited assistance from CancerCare^® is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.

Support Groups

Connect with others in our free support groups led by oncology social workers.

Online

• Gynecologic Cancers Patient Support Group
• Ovarian Cancer Patient Support Group

Live

• Living With Cancer: Breast and Gynecologic Cancers Patient Support Group (New York and New Jersey, Video)

Community Programs

Learn about and view the full calendar of our free community programs.

Specialized Programs

CancerCare offers specialized programs to address specific populations and concerns.

Coping Circle Workshops

Virtual educational and supportive workshops led by oncology social workers and qualified co-facilitators. These workshops cover numerous topics and are offered in English and Spanish.

Connect Education Workshops

Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

Upcoming Workshops

General Topics

• Challenges Young Adults with Cancer Face: Coping Tips, Dec 6, 2024
• Cancer in the Workplace, Health Insurance, Finances and Returning to School, Dec 13, 2024

Podcasts

Ovarian Cancer

• Highlights from the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting: The Art and Science of Cancer Care from Comfort to Cure, Aug 15, 2024
• Update on the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer, Nov 7, 2023
• Highlights from the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting – “Partnering With Patients: The Cornerstone of Cancer Care and Research”, Aug 17, 2023
• Ovarian Cancer: Treatment Updates, Nov 15, 2022
• Highlights from the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting – “Advancing Equitable Cancer Care Through Innovation", Aug 4, 2022
• Medical Update on Ovarian Cancer, Jun 1, 2021

General Topics

• Caregiving for Your Loved One with Cancer, Sep 23, 2024
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Sep 10, 2024
• Current Perspectives on the Future of Cancer Research, Jun 27, 2024
• How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment, Jun 17, 2024
• What’s New in Precision Medicine, Jun 12, 2024
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, May 13, 2024
• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 22, 2024
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Apr 8, 2024
• Understanding the Different Names for Biomarker Testing & Their Role in Selecting the Best Treatment for You, Mar 4, 2024
• Chemotherapy: Novel Approaches to Prevent and Manage Gastrointestinal Treatment Side Effects, Feb 16, 2024
• Understanding the Important Role that Biomarker Testing Plays in Informing the Treatment of Cancer, Feb 12, 2024
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Feb 9, 2024
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jan 19, 2024
• Challenges Young Adults with Cancer Face: Coping Tips, Dec 15, 2023
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Nov 28, 2023
• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions About Your Care With Your Health Care Team, Jun 28, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jun 26, 2023
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jun 16, 2023
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, Jun 7, 2023
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Its Importance in Managing Cancer, May 24, 2023
• Update on COVID for People Living with Cancer & Their Caregivers, May 22, 2023
• Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips and Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment and Health Care Team for You, May 15, 2023
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 2, 2023
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, Apr 3, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jan 23, 2023
• Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Aug 22, 2022
• Chemotherapy Treatment Side Effects: Prevention & Management, Jun 10, 2022
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, May 18, 2022
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Why It Is So Important in Managing Cancer, May 4, 2022
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 3, 2022
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, Apr 27, 2022
• Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips & Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment & Health Care Team for You, Mar 21, 2022
• Emerging Importance of Telemedicine/Telehealth Appointments in Communicating with Your Health Care Team, Mar 16, 2022
• COVID-19, Omicron & Delta Variants, COVID-19 Vaccines & Booster Vaccines: Revised Guidelines for People Living with Cancer and Their Loved Ones, Feb 7, 2022
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Jan 24, 2022
• Preventing, Managing & Treating Infection in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 25, 2021
• How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment & Care, Jun 21, 2021
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Feb 9, 2021
• The 9/11 Community, Cancer & COVID-19, Jan 25, 2021
• How Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers Improve Treatment Decisions for People Living with Cancer, Dec 7, 2020
• Cancer and Flu Shots, Nov 9, 2020
• Caregiving for Your Loved One Living with Cancer, Nov 3, 2020
• Preventing and Managing Infections in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 26, 2020
• Managing the Cost of Living with Cancer, Sep 23, 2020
• Veterans Living with Cancer, Jun 26, 2020
• Treatment Adherence: Taking Your Pills on Schedule – Why It Is So Important, Jun 24, 2020
• What are Biosimilars? Understanding Their Role in Cancer Treatment: Current and Future Perspectives, Jun 18, 2020
• Current Perspectives in Cancer Survivorship, Jun 16, 2020
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Apr 22, 2020
• Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 8, 2020
• Cancer and The Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, Mar 25, 2020
• Understanding the Costs of Care and Your Health Care Coverage, Mar 18, 2020
• Trends in Oncology and Treatment Planning: What You Need to Know, Mar 4, 2020
• Care for Your Bones During & After Cancer Treatment: Tips to Improve Bone Health, Nov 18, 2019
• Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, Oct 28, 2019
• Joys and Challenges of Pets in Your Home When You Have Cancer, Apr 8, 2019
• Treatment-Related Rash and Dry Skin, Jun 20, 2018
• Mind Body Techniques to Cope with the Stresses of Cancer, Nov 15, 2017
• Living with Cancer Throughout The Cancer Journey, Mar 10, 2017
• Managing Sensory Disruptions During Cancer Treatments, Dec 5, 2016
• For Health Care Professionals: Care Coordination for Older Men Living with Cancer, Aug 23, 2016
• Nutrition and Healthy Eating Tips During and After Cancer Treatments, Feb 1, 2016
• Healthy Eating and Managing Weight Changes During Cancer Treatment, Apr 13, 2015
• Highlights of the Affordable Care Act, Nov 11, 2014
• Managing Cancer Pain: What You Need to Know, Mar 21, 2014
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Jun 28, 2013
• Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for People Living with Cancer, Dec 12, 2012
• Managing Post-Treatment Neuropathy, Jul 17, 2012
• Recapturing Joy and Finding Meaning, May 15, 2012
• Planning Your Comfort and Care at End of Life, May 10, 2012
• Using Mind/Body Techniques to Cope with the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 24, 2012
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and You: A Guide for People Living With Cancer, Nov 15, 2011
• Fear of Recurrence and Late Effects: Living with Uncertainty, Jul 12, 2011
• Stress Management for Caregivers: Taking Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally, Jun 14, 2011
• The Challenges of Coping with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 1, 2011
• Weight Changes After Cancer Treatment: Why is it Happening and What Can I Do About It, May 10, 2011
• Mouth Pain and Discomfort: All You Need to Know About Mouth Sores and Oral Mucositis, Apr 27, 2011
• Helping Children and Teens Understand When a Parent or Loved One Has Cancer, Apr 20, 2011
• Chemobrain: The Impact of Cancer Treatments on Memory, Thinking and Attention, Apr 12, 2011
• Survivors Too: Communicating With and Among Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jul 13, 2010
• Communicating with Your Health Care Team After Treatment: Making the Most of Your Visit, May 18, 2010
• Trouble Sleeping? Sleep Better to Feel Better: Tips You Can Use, Apr 13, 2010
• Helping Teachers and Educators Support Siblings of Children with Cancer, Oct 8, 2009
• Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy, Jul 16, 2009
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones - Managing the Fatigue of Caregiving, Jun 23, 2009
• The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Activity, May 19, 2009
• For Parents, Caregivers and Professionals: Helping Brothers and Sisters of Children Living with Cancer, May 14, 2009
• Dental Health During Cancer Treatments, Apr 24, 2009
• Managing the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 14, 2009
• Balancing Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer, Mar 12, 2009
• For Caregivers: Coping with Holidays, Special Occasions and Birthdays, Throughout the Year, Dec 12, 2008
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jun 24, 2008
• Rediscovering Intimacy in Your Relationships Following Treatment, May 13, 2008
• The Importance of Communicating with Your Doctor About Follow-Up Care, Apr 22, 2008
• Finding Hope and Meaning After Treatment, Jun 19, 2007
• My Treatment is Over: Why Do I Feel So Alone and Sad?, May 15, 2007
• Managing Your Costs of Recovery, Jun 20, 2006
• Balancing Your Needs and Your Role as a Caregiver, Jun 13, 2006
• Is It My Cancer or Am I Getting Older?, May 23, 2006
• The Bereaved Caregiver in the Workplace, May 10, 2006
• Stress Management Tips for Survivors, Apr 25, 2006
• The Challenge of Creating Supportive Work Environments for Employees with Cancer and Their Caregivers, Apr 5, 2006

Publications

Read or order our free Connect booklets and fact sheets offering easy-to-read information about the latest cancer treatments, managing side effects and coping with cancer.

Ovarian Cancer

• Treatment Update: Ovarian CancerNew

General Topics

• Coping With Cancer: Tools to Help You LiveNew
• Caregiving for Your Loved One With Cancer
• Talking to Children When a Loved One Has Cancer
• Communicating With Your Health Care Team
• Sources of Financial Assistance
• Finding Resources in Your Community
• If You've Just Been Diagnosed
• What Can I Say to a Newly Diagnosed Loved One?
• Advice for Caregivers: How Can You Help Yourself?

Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

Ovarian Cancer

• Q.

  My aunt was recently diagnosed with a form of gynecological cancer. What type of resources are available for my aunt? She is apprehensive about receiving treatment (surgery, biopsies, etc.) for her diagnosis. Also, are there any patient navigation services available to provide support for her and my cousin who is the primary caregiver?

  A.

  Being apprehensive about treatment is not unusual after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and she may begin to feel overwhelmed. An oncology social worker can help your aunt with identifying how she is presently coping and learn new coping skills to manage any anxiety and fears about treatment, how to manage financial challenges, and how to talk with her medical team and her family about cancer and other practical concerns.

  There are supports for your cousin as well, he/she may consider joining a support group, or pursue individual counseling as well. Caregivers have similar emotional concerns about a loved one’s cancer diagnosis, for example, providing emotional support for your loved one, managing the day to day activities, such as making appointments for your loved one’s treatment, or preparing meals. An oncology social worker can help the caregiver identify ways in which he/she is presently coping and then develop new coping skills, learn how to provide practical support while also caring for their own personal needs.

  In regards to resources, there are several types, which are provided below:

  Emotional Support

  • CancerCare provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. Nationally, we can provide telephone counseling and support groups as well as online support groups. In addition, she or her caregiver can go directly to our website to obtain other publications and educational materials.

  • If she is interested in joining a face to face support group in her community she can contact the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org to find locations of nearby support groups.

  • Lastly, I would recommend she speak to the hospital social worker to see what is available. They may have counseling, support groups and wellness programs she can utilize.

  Financial Support

  • CancerCare currently offers financial assistance to those who qualify. The financial assistance can be used for transportation, homecare or child care expenses. Additionally, she may qualify for assistance with medications. If she would like to apply for this assistance, she would need to call us directly and also fill out a financial application form she can contact our hope line at 800-813-4673.

  • I would also recommend she contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. They can connect her to her local office which may have financial assistance available.

  • Other organizations she can call and ask about financial help are: Patient Advocate Foundation at 800-532-5274. The Patient Advocate Foundation provides education, legal counseling and referrals to cancer patients concerning managed care, insurance and financial issues.

  • Lastly, I would encourage her to speak to a social worker or financial counselor at her treatment center and explain her financial situation. Most treatment facilities will work out payment plans, delayed payments or a reduction in a co-payment or help find outside financial resources.

  Answered by
  Maryrose Mongelli, MSW, LMSW

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  ovarian cancer
• Q.

  I've been matched for clinical trial HER2 cell therapy and I need help to pay to be in this clinical trial please.

  A.

  Regarding financial assistance for clinical trials, there are a few avenues you can explore. You can contact the treatment center to see if they offer any grants or financial aid. Furthermore, some organizations provide some financial assistance including Lazarex CARE. You can also reach out to your insurance company to advocate for yourself regarding coverage. For transportation, there are some non-profits that can provide grants to help including CancerCare. Please call our HOPEline at 800-413-4673 for more information. If you are interested in exploring alternative clinical trials, you can utilize myTRIAList at https://mytrialist.org/ for more options . Wishing you luck as you navigate through this journey.

  Answered by
  Sam Fortune, MSW, LCSW

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  ovarian cancer

From Our Blog

• Why Linda Supports CancerCare ’s New Jersey Walk/Run for Hope
• CancerCare's 9th Annual Fairfield Walk/Run for Hope Raises Nearly $75,000
• Top News and Trends in Cancer Research from ASCO 2015
• CancerCare Publishes New Guide to the Latest Treatment and Research Updates

Featured Resource

Magnolia Meals at Home

A meal delivery program that helps patients by providing nourishing meals to households affected by cancer. Is currently available in and around Woodcliff Lake, NJ and Andover, MA, Raleigh-Durham, NC and New Haven, CT (as well areas in New York, New Hampshire and Boston, MA). For more information please visit magnoliamealsathome.com or contact Kathy Nugent, LCSW at 800-813-4673, ext. 6809.

Stories of Help and Hope

Read inspiring personal accounts from people affected by cancer and the ways they've found to cope.

• Judy N., Diagnosed with ovarian cancer
• Jay D., Coping with the loss of his wife