Treatment for ovarian cancer

Your treatment depends on where your cancer is, how big it is, whether it has spread anywhere else in your body, and your general health. A team of doctors and other professionals decide on the best treatment and care for you.

Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your physical and mental health when preparing for treatment. In the hospital, preparing for treatment is also called prehabilitation or prehab.

Treatment decisions for ovarian cancer

A team of health professionals decides what treatment you need. This depends on factors such as your cancer stage and grade. 

Surgery for ovarian cancer

Most women with ovarian cancer have surgery. Find out about the different types and what happens.

Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer

Chemotherapy uses anti cancer drugs to destroy cancer. You might have it after surgery, or both before and after. 

Radiotherapy for ovarian cancer

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to kill ovarian cancer cells. You don't often have it for ovarian cancer. 

Targeted cancer drugs for ovarian cancer

Targeted cancer drugs change the way that cells work and help the body control the growth of cancer.

Follow up for ovarian cancer

You usually have appointments and tests every few months to begin with. Tests include blood tests, x-rays and scans.

If your ovarian cancer comes back

The main treatment is chemotherapy if your cancer comes back. Some people might have surgery or targeted cancer drugs. 

Treating the symptoms of advanced ovarian cancer

You might have treatment to shrink and control your cancer and help you feel better.

Removing abdominal fluid

You might have a build up of fluid in your tummy (abdomen). Your doctor will take a sample of this fluid to check for cancer cells. 

Last reviewed: 
07 Jan 2022
Next review due: 
07 Jan 2025