Information booklets

Browse our expert information about symptoms, risk factors, tumour types, ovarian cancer treatment, clinical trials and more. Ovacome information resources are written and reviewed by medical professionals working in the field, and quality reviewed and informed by people affected by the disease.

Many of these information resources are available as printed booklets, which you can order for free here.

Use the drop-down filter below to select different information categories

Symptoms and diagnosis

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer

With no screening programme for ovarian cancer it is important to learn the signs and symptoms. This booklet also looks at discussing these with your GP.

About ovarian cancer

This booklet gives an overview of being diagnosed, different types of ovarian cancer and treatments you may be offered. It also suggests questions to ask.

The stages of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer has four stages. The stage of your cancer at diagnosis affects your treatment, so it is important to know your stage and what it may mean to you.

Stage 1

This booklet is about stage 1 ovarian cancer. This is when it has not spread, and you may be able to have
fertility-sparing surgery.

Stage 2

At stage 2, ovarian cancer will have started to spread. This booklet talks about treatments you may be offered.

Stage 3

Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed at stage 3, when it has spread into the pelvis. This booklet describes the surgery and chemotherapy you may need.

Stage 4

At stage 4, ovarian cancer may have spread to other organs. This booklet describes how it can be treated and managed.

What happens if you are diagnosed

This gives an overview of the hospital appointments, treatments and support you may need if you are diagnosed. It suggests questions to ask.

Medical terms explained

This booklet explains words and terminology that you may hear being used in ovarian cancer treatment and care.

Screening for ovarian cancer

This booklet explains why no screening is available for ovarian cancer. It discusses research and genetic testing for people with a strong family history of ovarian cancer and those carrying a changed BRCA gene.

Tests for ovarian cancer

This booklet describes tests and investigations used to diagnose ovarian cancer. It talks about CA125 blood tests, ultrasound scans and CT scans.

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Treatment

Surgery for ovarian cancer

This booklet takes you through hospital admission, surgery, possible complications, recovery and the experience of going back home. It describes the different operations used to treat ovarian cancer.

Chemotherapy

This booklet explains why no screening is available for ovarian cancer. It discusses research and genetic testing for people with a strong family history of ovarian cancer and those carrying a changed BRCA gene.

Screening for ovarian cancer

If you have ovarian cancer you are likely to be treated with chemotherapy. This booklet talks about carboplatin, Taxol and Caelyx, which are often used, side effects and how to care for yourself during treatment.

Treatments for relapsed ovarian cancer

This booklet discusses treatment options if your ovarian cancer has come back. These may include more chemotherapy, further surgery and hormone treatments. It also talks about getting a second opinion.

Clinical trials

You may want to take part in a clinical trial to get access to new treatments that would not routinely be available. This booklet describes how trials are
conducted and how to take part. It also gives information on how to find a clinical trial.

Targeted therapies

Targeted therapies are drugs that can stop cancer cells growing and repairing themselves. They can be used to control and manage ovarian cancer and can be taken at home. This includes olaparib, niraparib and Avastin.

Secondary surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer

If your ovarian cancer has come back, you may be able to access secondary debulking (cytoreductive) surgery. This booklet explains the criteria for surgery, and its risks and benefits.

Types of ovarian cancer

Borderline ovarian tumours

Borderline ovarian tumours are usually diagnosed early and can often be treated with surgery alone and cured. This booklet describes different types of these tumours and how some can develop into more serious cancers. It also discusses fertility-sparing surgery.

Rare ovarian tumours

This booklet discusses rare forms of ovarian cancer such as germ cell tumours, sex cord stromal tumours including granulosa cell tumours, and others. It outlines the basic principles for treatment.

Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary

Clear cell is an uncommon form of ovarian cancer. Clear cell may be more common in people with a history of endometriosis. This booklet covers treatment which is usually surgery and chemotherapy.

Low grade serous ovarian cancer

This booklet describes low grade, a rarer form of ovarian cancer that grows slowly. It discusses treatments with surgery and chemotherapy and research into new drugs.

Mucinous ovarian cancer

Mucinous is a rare form of ovarian cancer. Most cases are found at stage 1 and can be treated by surgery only. This booklet discussed fertility-sparing surgery, and how this rare cancer requires different cancer markers.

Primary peritoneal cancer

This rare cancer affects the peritoneum, the layer of tissue that lines the abdomen. It is most commonly found in people over 60. This booklet explains symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Fallopian tube cancer

This cancer makes up just one in 100 of all female reproductive cancers. It is similar to ovarian cancer but starts in the fallopian tubes. This booklet describes the
symptoms, risks factors and treatment of this rare cancer.

Managing side effects

Surgical menopause

Ovarian cancer is usually found in people aged over 50, but it occurs in younger people too. Some of these will experience a surgical menopause caused by their cancer treatment. This booklet details menopause symptoms and how to manage them. It also gives information on HRT and some alternatives to this.

Ovarian cancer and your sex life

You do not stop being a sexual person because you have ovarian cancer. This booklet gives you information on the physical and psychological effects you may experience after surgery and chemotherapy. It also talks about where to find support and gives useful links to sources of help.

Diet for a blocked bowel

Developing a bowel blockage can be a complication of treatment for ovarian cancer. If you are experiencing this, or at risk of this happening then it can be helpful to eat a fibre-restricted diet. This booklet gives useful dietary advice and lists the foods that are suitable for you, and those to avoid.

Managing fatigue

Fatigue is common in people with cancer. It can be a symptom of your illness, or a side effect of your treatment. Learn how to manage this and make changes in your life that save your energy and help you feel stronger.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Most cancer patients having chemotherapy will get some peripheral neuropathy symptoms. This booklet will explain what PN is, how it can be treated and how you can manage your symptoms.

Living with ovarian cancer

Getting the support you need

Some people with ovarian cancer have never met anyone with the same diagnosis. This booklet talks about what support groups can offer. It has a directory of local groups you can contact.

Talking to your family and friends

It can be difficult to talk to the people closest to you about being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This booklet suggests ways of talking with partners and children and gives links to sources of futher support.

Complementary therapies

Information about using complementary therapies safely to improve quality of life. It covers plants and herbs, yoga, acupuncture, aromatherapy and more. There is a list of regulatory organisations that represent practitioners.

Going back to work

This booklet outlines the Equality Act 2010 and discusses your employer’s responsibility to make reasonable adjustments that can help you return to work.

Coping with anxiety

This booklet suggests ways of managing your feelings. It also gives strategies to help you plan for potentially stressful events, such as follow-up appointments.

Travelling abroad

Practical information to help you to enjoy holidays abroad. It covers making sure you are fit to fly, travelling with your medication and making sure you get the travel assistance you need. It lists insurance companies that may cover people with a cancer diagnosis.

If your care needs increase

Symptom control and palliative care

This booklet is about the care you may need when your ovarian cancer is no longer controlled by treatment. You may not be well enough to have chemotherapy or other
treatments. It is about care that can improve your quality of life. It discusses how to access care and manage symptoms.

What services are there for me now?

Your care needs are changing and it is time to review your treatment and focus on symptom control. This booklet discusses palliative care and the services that give this. It talks about hospice care that can be given to you at home.

Deciding to end active treatment

This booklet is for when your cancer no longer responds to treatment. Perhaps the risks and side effects are outweighing the benefits. You may be offered other therapies to reduce the effects of the cancer while still controlling symptoms. This booklet discusses these choices to help you make decisions.

Family matters

This is a guide to making more formal decisions about your future care. These may involve your family and friends as well as your health team. It covers making advanced decisions, lasting power of attorney and thinking about wills. The booklet lists further sources of information.

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0800 008 7054

Genetic risk

Genetic testing

This is a detailed explanation of inherited risk, the different genetic tests available and what the results may mean. The booklet also discusses how test results could affect your family members.

Ovarian cancer and genetics

An overview of how genes can affect ovarian cancer risk. This booklet explains gene changes, discusses the BRCA genes and Lynch genes, and genes involved in rarer ovarian cancer types. It also describes genetic tests you may be offered if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Reducing and managing genetic risk

If genetic testing has shown you have a higher risk of ovarian cancer, this may lead you and your family to seek ways to reduce this. The booklet covers ovarian
cancer surveillance, using hormones and risk reducing surgery, plus using targeted therapies if you have an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

EasyReads

Ovarian cancer signs (EasyRead)

This booklet tells you about signs and symptoms to look out for if you are worried about ovarian cancer.
It uses everyday words and pictures.

About ovarian cancer (EasyRead)

You can find out all about ovarian cancer with this booklet. It talks about the signs, risks and types of ovarian cancer, and how it is treated.

Tests for ovarian cancer (EasyRead)

If you think you may have signs of ovarian cancer you should be offered tests to find out. This booklet talks about the tests, what they can mean and what may happen next.

Stages of ovarian cancer (EasyRead)

If you have ovarian cancer you will need to know its stage. This means how far it has spread. This booklet explains the stages using everyday words and pictures to help you make treatment decisions.

Other

Preparing for remote appointments

Do you dread online and telephone appointments? This booklet guides you through the tech and gives useful suggestions on how to get the most from them. It also suggests questions to ask.

Ovacome's support group handbook

If you want to start a support group, this tells you all you need to know. It covers finding support and potential members, finding a venue, legal issues and paperwork, and managing money - and the satisfaction of providing such a postive service.

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