End of life care
When you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer it is understandable to worry about what a cancer diagnosis will mean for you and to be scared that you will die. We know that cancer is a serious illness which can limit life. You may have been told that your advanced ovarian cancer is not curable, but this does not mean it is not treatable. Advanced ovarian cancer is managed a chronic condition with periods of treatment aimed at keeping you as well as possible for as long possible.
It can be useful for everyone to think about end of life issues when they are feeling well and able to put plans in place. This will mean individual preferences around care and practical issues can be taken into account. Below are some resources offering information and support around end of life issues which may be helpful.
Speak to our support line.
Do you have questions about ovarian cancer or your diagnosis?
Our support line is here:
Monday - Friday 10am-5pm.
Call 0808 008 7054 or email support@ovacome.org.uk
Useful websites and resources
The following Ovacome information booklets may be useful when considering the choices that are right for you if your care needs increase.
- Symptom control and palliative care
- What services are there for me now?
- Deciding to end active treatment
- Family matters
These are some websites which offer information and support around end of life issues:
- Macmillan information on end of life
- NHS information on end of life care (including living wills and power of attorney)
- UK government advice on making a will
- Age UK information on end of life issues
- Age UK information on end of life planning
- Marie Curie provide help and support for terminal illness
- Hospice UK information and support
- Compassion in Dying information and support around end of life decisions
- Dying Matters is a coalition of members which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life
- UK Care Guide on the steps you need to take when someone dies in the UK
- Bereavement Advice Centre includes lots of practical advice about what to do when someone dies
- Cruse bereavement care
- GriefChat provide free, professional support through grief with a qualified bereavement counsellor
If you have any questions or need any further information please contact our support service team on 0800 008 7054 or email support@ovacome.org.uk
Disclaimer: You should consult your medical team for individual specialist advice. Links to commercial and third-party websites are for general interest. Ovacome does not endorse any commercial product or accept any liability for loss or damage resulting from this information or that contained within third-party websites.
Did you find this page helpful?
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email r.grigg@ovacome.org.uk or call 0207 299 6653.
Get support
Ovacome is the UK 's national ovarian cancer support charity. We've been providing emotional support and personalised, expert information since 1996. Contact our support line by phone, email or text if you have questions about a diagnosis, or if you just want to talk things through.
We support anyone affected by ovarian cancer, including family members, carers, those with an inherited risk, and health professionals working in the field.
Ovacome has 50 information booklets on a variety of topics about ovarian cancer.
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