Ovarian Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I get to choose where I receive ovarian cancer treatment and who performs my surgery?

  Most patients can choose which gynecologic oncologist and cancer center they use for ovarian cancer treatment. If your primary care physician (PCP) or gynecologist initially diagnosed your cancer, they will likely refer you to a gynecologic cancer surgeon. You can request one you prefer.

  At Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA), our gynecologic oncologists perform surgery using the latest techniques and oversee your medical oncology treatments. They are dedicated to providing expert, personalized care to patients throughout the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. It’s also a good idea to receive a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Our team is available to do that as well.

  We’ll gather your medical records, including test results, from your referring physician so we can get your treatment plan underway as soon as possible.

  Find a VOA location near you.

• What kind of surgery is needed for ovarian cancer?

  Surgery for ovarian cancer usually involves removing the uterus (hysterectomy), both ovaries and fallopian tubes (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy), the omentum (a fatty layer in the abdomen where cancer can spread), and nearby lymph nodes. The tissue and lymph nodes are tested for cancer spread. If ovarian cancer has developed in the lymph nodes or in other organs beyond the ovaries, your VOA gynecologic surgeon will also remove as much of the tumor as possible using a process called debulking. This helps improve outcomes by leaving less cancer behind. 

  In some early-stage patients, where the cancer is limited to one ovary, it may be possible to remove only the affected ovary and fallopian tube, which can help preserve fertility. Our surgeons use minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible to reduce pain and recovery time.

  Learn more about ovarian cancer surgery.

• Will I need ovarian cancer treatments other than surgery?

  Surgery is used to remove the cancer and determine how far it’s spread. If the results show that cancer cells are outside of the ovaries, your gynecologic oncologist will likely recommend additional ovarian cancer treatments to ensure all cancer cells have been eliminated. These treatments can include:

  • Chemotherapy

  • Radiation therapy

  • Hormone therapy

  • Targeted therapy

  • Immunotherapy

  Patients may receive these treatments before surgery (known as neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery (known as adjuvant therapy). The right timing and the most appropriate set of treatments depend on how far the cancer has grown. The gynecologic cancer team at Virginia Oncology Associates will evaluate your case and recommend the safest and most effective ovarian cancer treatment plan.

• How much will I have to pay out-of-pocket for cancer treatment?

  Our Patient Benefits Representatives (PBRs) review benefits coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and available assistance options with you. When choosing your cancer care, it’s important to know that treatment at an independent cancer center like Virginia Oncology Associates often costs less than hospital outpatient departments. 

  According to the Community Oncology Alliance, cancer treatment can cost up to 50% less at independent oncology practices, such as ours, than at hospital-affiliated outpatient departments.

  Receiving affordable cancer care does not mean compromising on quality. We offer the same high standards of care as hospital-affiliated oncology departments, using advanced technologies and personalized treatments at a more affordable price. Our locations are convenient for you as well.

• Could ovarian cancer treatment make it harder to start a family in the future?

  Gynecologic cancer treatment comes with side effects, and for some women who are not yet in menopause, it will likely impact fertility. If having children in the future is important to you, please discuss this with your doctor before surgery. They may also recommend consulting with a fertility specialist to explore options for preserving your chances of starting a family in the future, such as saving eggs or embryos.

• How might treatment affect my body, intimacy, or sexual health?

  If you have a hysterectomy as part of your treatment plan, your gynecologic oncologist will likely suggest you wait 6-8 weeks before having sex, giving your body time to heal. 

  Changes in sexual function may also occur as a side effect of cancer treatment. Depending on the therapies you receive, you might experience pain, vaginal dryness, and fatigue, which could reduce your desire for sexual intimacy. It's important to communicate openly with your partner about your concerns, as this can help ease worries and strengthen your relationship. Additionally, you can speak with your care team about potential solutions to make being intimate more comfortable during this time.

• Should I consider joining a clinical trial?

  Clinical trials offer access to new therapies for ovarian cancer that are not yet widely available. Virginia Oncology Associates participates in clinical research studies through the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), helping patients safely explore new care options. To participate in a clinical trial, you would need to meet specific criteria related to the type and stage of cancer, other treatments received, etc. We will discuss your eligibility and options if you match the qualifications for a trial. 

  Learn more about the benefits of clinical trials.

  Search available clinical trials at Virginia Oncology Associates.

• Can ovarian cancer come back after treatment?

  Even after successful treatment, there is a possibility that cancer could come back. This is called recurrence. The likelihood of this happening depends on the stage at the time of initial diagnosis and the treatments included in the first treatment plan. 

  Sometimes, your oncologist may talk about a survival rate, which indicates the percentage of people diagnosed with a specific type of cancer who survive for a certain period. These rates are often expressed in 5-year increments and vary depending on the stage of the cancer. For example, the American Cancer Society describes the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer as follows:

  • Localized cancer (no spread beyond the ovaries) - 92%

  • Regional cancer (spread to lymph nodes or nearby structures) - 71%

  • Distant (metastatic) cancer - 32%

  These numbers represent broad categories. Each individual responds differently to treatment. And for some patients, the cancer never recurs. If you have a recurrence, new treatments may be available that were not options during your initial treatment. Your oncologist will discuss this with you.

  Learn more about the symptoms of gynecologic cancers you can look out for.

• What experience does the VOA team have with ovarian cancer?

  For over 40 years, Virginia Oncology Associates has been a leader in providing multidisciplinary cancer care to patients throughout Virginia. Our gynecologic oncologists and advanced practice providers have received training at some of the most renowned cancer centers in the United States and beyond. They are committed to offering unparalleled access to the most innovative therapies and the latest surgical techniques, all close to home.

  Meet our gynecologic oncologists