Ovarian Cancer

Many concerns may run through your mind if you suspect you have ovarian cancer. Studies show that women with gynecological cancers who are treated by gynecologic oncologists -- obstetricians/gynecologists with additional years of training in cancers of the female reproductive system -- have better outcomes.

Our gynecologic oncologists work with women with gynecologic cancers every day. We take your age, health, desire to have children, and the size and stage of your ovarian cancer into consideration when recommending treatment options. We use our training and experience to tailor treatment options to minimize the impact on your fertility and sexuality. If surgery is needed, we have the expertise to perform complex procedures on the reproductive system. Our goal is to detect ovarian cancer early, provide the treatment that's best for you, and increase your chances for a positive long-term outcome.

Nationally Ranked Cancer Program
As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are recognized for exploring new therapies through ongoing clinical trials. We are also part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers dedicated to improving care for our patients.

Access to Our Clinical Trials
You may be eligible to participate in our ongoing clinical trials, which explore new therapies such as chemotherapy drugs that slow or kill cancer cells, immunotherapy drugs that boost your body’s ability to fight cancer, and biologic therapies that block your body's ability to grow cancer cells.

Fertility Services for Cancer Survivors
If you are concerned about the impact of treatment on your fertility, experts at the Duke Fertility Center will work closely with you to discuss fertility preservation treatments, which may include egg freezing, tissue banking, and experimental options that are available through our ongoing clinical trials.

Hereditary Cancer Clinic
The genetic counselors in our hereditary cancer clinic work closely with you to determine if you have inherited a mutation that increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. About 20% of women have mutations in genes such as BRCA1, or BRCA2 that increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer. This information is important because mutation testing can be offered to other family members who may have inherited a cancer susceptibility mutation in one of these genes. In addition, women with ovarian cancer who have mutations in these genes can benefit from treatment with a class of oral drugs called PARP inhibitors. 

Convenient Appointments
We schedule your appointments quickly and try to coordinate your visit to be as efficient as possible. This means scheduling time with your ovarian cancer team and arranging any necessary imaging and lab work in one convenient location, often during your first visit.

Support for Your Whole Being
Our comprehensive cancer support services range from helping patients minimize the side effects of treatment to coping with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment. Our ovarian cancer survivorship clinic also pulls together a range of resources specially designed to help survivors after treatment ends. View all of our cancer support groups in our event calendar.