Getting the Best Care

After dealing with the initial shock of receiving a diagnosis of ovarian or gynecologic cancer, your next goal will likely be how to go about getting the best care. This page aims to guide you through the treatment process, introduce you to the types of healthcare professionals who will be part of your care team, and provide practical resources to help you make informed decisions. Understanding who will be involved in your care and what to expect can empower you as you navigate new details, learn unfamiliar new medical language, and make key decisions.

Importance of Specialized Care

It is crucial to see a gynecologic oncologist as soon as ovarian cancer, or any gynecologic cancer, is suspected. These specialists are trained specifically in the treatment of reproductive tract cancers and significantly improve patient outcomes.

• Surgical Expertise: Ideally, a gynecologic oncologist should always perform a gynecologic cancer patient’s surgery. Studies show that surgeries performed by these specialists result in survival rates as much as 50% greater compared to surgeries performed by less experienced surgeons.
• Improved Outcomes: Patients with all types of gynecologic cancer experience better results when their treatment is guided by a gynecologic oncologist.

Important Statistics:

• 5x More Likely: Gynecologic oncologists are five times more likely to completely remove ovarian tumors during surgery.
• 80% of Patients: Eighty percent of ovarian cancer patients receive inadequate surgical debulking and staging when it is performed by non-specialists.
• Survival Rate Improvements: Survival rates and outcomes for women with ovarian cancer vastly improve under the care of gynecologic oncologists.

Finding a Gynecologic Oncologist
Locate the right specialist for your needs:

• Use OCRA’s Doctor Finder: Search for gynecologic oncologists, specialists, and treatment centers in your area.
• Seek Referrals: Ask your primary care doctor or gynecologist for recommendations.
• Explore NCI-Designated Centers: Consider treatment at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers known for top standards in research and treatment.

Understanding The Roles Played in Your Care Team
A comprehensive oncology care team ensures you receive the best possible care; here’s who may be involved in your treatment journey.

• Gynecologic Oncologist: Specializes in treating cancers of the female reproductive system. They will lead your treatment plan, perform surgeries, and coordinate with other specialists.
• Oncology Nurse Practitioner: Provides day-to-day management of your care, offers education, and supports you throughout treatment.
• Physician Assistant: Works closely with your oncologist to assist in diagnosis and treatment decisions.
• Registered Nurse: Coordinates patient care and offers support in managing symptoms and side effects of treatment.
• Patient Navigator: Helps guide you through the healthcare system, schedules appointments, and connects you with resources.
• Oncology Social Worker: Assists in managing emotional and practical challenges, offers counseling, and connects you to support services.
• Dietitian: Provides nutritional guidance to help manage treatment side effects and maintain your overall health.
• Palliative Care Team: Focuses on relieving pain and improving quality of life during treatment, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Clergy: Offers emotional and spiritual support to help you and your family navigate the journey ahead.

Getting Ready for Your First Appointment

Your first appointment with a gynecologic oncologist is important as it will help map out your treatment journey. Here’s how to prepare for it:

Having a clear understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options is crucial. Below are key questions you may want to discuss with your healthcare team. Click on each section to see the questions.

While the primary goals of cancer treatment focus on removing or controlling the cancer, it’s equally important to think about your overall quality of life and future aspirations. Setting personal goals can help align your treatment with what matters most to you.

SMART Goals for Cancer Care
Using the SMART framework can help create and measure meaningful goals:

• Specific: What is the specific thing you want to accomplish?
• Measurable: How will you measure the goal and know when it is reached?
• Achievable: Is this goal realistically achievable with the amount of commitment and effort I can put behind it? Do I have the resources I need, and if not, will I get those resources?
• Relevant: What makes this goal feel significant in my life?
• Timely: When will I achieve this goal?

Questions to Consider
Not all goals will be specific or measurable, but asking yourself the following questions can help you identify how you want to move forward.

• What are the things that are most important to you? Is it career, family, hobbies, traveling?
• Have you experienced a shift in what feels important?
• Have you experienced changes in your ability to participate in past activities?
• Does your vision for the future align with your anticipated treatment and prognosis?

Navigating treatment can be challenging, but there are many resources available to support you:

• Find a Doctor Tool: Use this tool to locate gynecologic oncologists and treatment centers in your area.
• NCI-Designated Cancer Centers: Access top-rated research and treatment facilities recognized for their excellence in cancer care.
• Support Groups: Connect with others who are experiencing similar journeys through local and online support networks.
• Community Resources: Explore resources that can help you manage your finances, access emotional support, and connect with other patients.