Ovarian cancer is often called a “hidden killer” because it rarely shows any symptoms in its early stages. Hence, when diagnosed, most women have an advanced stage of the disease which reduces their chances of survival.

Over 20,000 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States, with more than 14,000 deaths. However, medical interventions and research have made significant strides in recent years to improve the overall survival rate of ovarian cancer patients.

1. Surgery

Surgery is the standard form of treatment for ovarian cancer. It involves the removal of as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. The procedure comes in three forms:.

Debulking Surgery

This type of surgery involves removing as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. The goal is to eliminate as much of the cancerous tissue as possible without damaging nearby organs.

Radical Surgery

This procedure is used when the cancer has advanced into nearby organs. It involves the removal of the cancerous tissue, as well as the removal of the affected organs. This procedure is often recommended for patients with stage III and stage IV cancers.

Fertility-sparing Surgery

This surgery is used for younger women with early-stage ovarian cancer who wish to bear children. It involves the removal of one ovary and fallopian tube, leaving the other ovary and uterus intact.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is an effective way to shrink tumors before surgery or to eradicate smaller tumors that cannot be removed through surgery alone.

Chemotherapy drugs can be given orally, intravenously, or topically, depending on the drug and the stage of the cancer. Recently, HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) has been used in select cases. HIPEC is heated chemotherapy that is administered directly into the abdomen during surgery to treat advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

3. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy drugs disrupt specific proteins or pathways in cancer cells that allow them to survive and grow. This treatment option has shown remarkable results for women with certain types of ovarian cancer.

Targeted therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy, and can be used in advanced-stage cancers after the initial treatment has failed.

4. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an emerging field of medicine that has shown promising results for many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. The treatment involves using the patient’s own immune system to kill cancer cells.

This treatment option can be used in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer that has stopped responding to other treatments.

5. Clinical Trials

Doctors frequently enroll their ovarian cancer patients in clinical trials. Clinical trials test new medications, procedures, and therapies, against the current standards of care.

New medication, vaccine, and drug combinations are still being studied and offer hope to women who have advanced-stage ovarian cancers. These new agents, used either alone or in combination with existing treatments, offer promising results for women with ovarian cancer.

6. Genetic Testing and Counseling

Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages, making it critical to identify women who may be at increased risk of developing the disease.

Women with a family history or specific genetic mutations, such as BRACA1 and BRACA2, are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. Genetic counselors can help women identify their risk and provide guidance on how to manage that risk.

7. Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Complementary interventions such as acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation, can help patients cope with the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of cancer.

The use of these therapies along with conventional medical treatments has been shown to improve patients’ overall wellness and sense of well-being. However, alternative therapies should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatments.

8. Palliative Care

Palliative care is a form of care that focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with ovarian cancer.

This type of care is appropriate for any stage of ovarian cancer and may include pain management, counseling, and other supportive therapies. Palliative care can help enhance the overall wellbeing of the patient, reduce anxiety, and even improve the prognosis of the cancer.

9. Lifestyle Changes

Optimizing your overall health by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and staying active can reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

For women who have been diagnosed with cancer, adopting lifestyle changes can improve their chances of a successful recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.

10. Follow-up Care

After treatment, it is important to maintain regular follow-up visits with your medical provider. This includes regular monitoring of the cancer, as well as any side effects of the treatment.

The follow-up process is critical in ensuring the patient is managing their cancer effectively and living a healthy and balanced life.

Conclusion

With the vast array of treatment options and interventions available for women with ovarian cancer, there is hope for improved overall survival and quality of life.

Early detection, in combination with effective treatment options, significantly increases the chances of a positive outcome. Women who have already been diagnosed with ovarian cancer should work closely with their medical providers to explore all available treatment options and create a collaborative plan for their care.