A diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer marks the beginning of a journey full of physical, emotional, psychological and practical challenges. Some of these challenges are experienced by many women with ovarian cancer, others by only a few women.
Challenges can relate to the shock of a cancer diagnosis and fears about the future. Or they may be due to physical side effects of treatment such as nausea and fatigue. There are also practical aspects of treatment to deal with including costs and travel. More specific emotional problems include anxiety and depression.
The emotional, physical and practical journey can take a different direction altogether if ovarian cancer spreads or comes back after treatment.
It’s not always easy, but over time, most women find they are able to cope with the changes caused by their diagnosis and return to the things that are important to them.
This section describes some of the challenges experienced by women with epithelial ovarian cancer. It includes information about managing side effects of ovarian cancer and its treatment, how a woman and those close to her might feel after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and where to find practical and emotional support.
Find out more about:
Living with ovarian cancer
