Introduction: What is Ovarian Cancer?

When cells in the ovaries start growing and multiplying uncontrollably, it results in ovarian cancer. Though any woman can develop ovarian cancer, it usually affects those over 50. Women who have a family history of ovarian cancer are at a higher risk of developing it. Feeling bloated, pain or tenderness in the pelvis, loss of appetite, and the frequent urge to urinate are some common symptoms of ovarian cancer.

How Is Ovarian Cancer Treated?

Ovarian cancer is treated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including a gynaecological oncologist and a medical oncologist.

 

The standard treatment options for ovarian cancer are:

• Surgery: This is usually the primary treatment for ovarian cancer and aims to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. Sometimes, fertility preservation is done in younger women if the affected ovary needs to be removed.

 

• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses anti-cancer or cytotoxic drugs to damage or destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery. Sometimes, it may be given as the primary treatment when surgery is impossible or not advised.

 

• Targeted therapy uses drugs that identify and target ovarian cancer cells. Targeted drug therapy is used in women with advanced ovarian cancer. PARP inhibitor drug is commonly used to treat this cancer and is given as a tablet as maintenance therapy.

 

It is challenging to treat ovarian cancer that recurs. Treatment options for recurrent ovarian cancers depend upon your previous treatment, side effects from previous treatments, and how long the earlier treatments kept cancer away.

 

Treatment options for recurrent ovarian cancer include:

 

• Hormonal therapy: This treatment use drugs to lower hormones like estrogen that stimulate ovarian cancer to grow. It is often used when ovarian cancer recurs, and you do not wish to undergo chemotherapy. Hormone therapy is preferred for low-grade cancers. Tamoxifen and letrozole are two hormone therapy drugs used to treat ovarian cancers.

 

• Radiotherapy: This treatment uses strong, high-energy radiation to treat ovarian cancer. Radiotherapy is used with other therapies to treat ovarian cancer, but in advanced cases, it relieves symptoms like bleeding and pain in the pelvic area. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is a type of radiation therapy that may be used when ovarian cancer spreads to other parts of the body. 

How Can Klarity Oncology Help?

Easily accessible treatments and specialists are vital for ovarian cancer treatment. At Klarity Oncology, we understand the complexity and urgency of cancer care. So, our dedicated team helps you find a private oncologist near you, get a priority second opinion for your ovarian cancer and work with you at each step of your cancer care journey. With Klarity, you are never alone!

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Cost in the UK

The cost of ovarian cancer treatment in the UK varies with the stage and type of cancer. Undergoing ovarian cancer treatment is expensive in private hospitals and cancer care centres. The treatments you choose also affect your ovarian cancer treatment cost. Speak to your insurance provider about what is included in your policy and its exclusions.

How is Ovarian Cancer Treatment Cost Calculated?

The cost of your ovarian cancer treatment is usually calculated by taking into account all of the following factors:

• Type, stage and grade of ovarian cancer
• Extent of spread
• Treatment for management of symptoms
• Lab tests for monitoring treatment progress
• Surgery
• Length of hospital stay

 

Your ovarian cancer costs will also include travel expenses to various doctors and diagnostic and treatment centres, fees charged by doctors, and medication required throughout treatment. The cost given to you before treatment begins is usually an estimate. You must keep some extra finances to cover unforeseen costs during your ovarian cancer treatment.

 

Talk to Us

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is natural to feel anxious and overwhelmed. If you wish to take a second opinion, talk to us now!