After ovarian cancer treatment

What follow-up do I need?

No matter what type of cancer treatment you get, you will still need to have regular check-ups once it is over. This is called follow-up. 

The follow-up may involve having a physical exam, blood tests including a blood test called a ca125 and scans, such as a CT, MRI or PET scan. 

If you are between check-ups and have a symptom or problem that is worrying you, contact your doctor or specialist nurse for advice or to make appointment, if necessary.

If you become suddenly unwell and can’t contact your specialist nurse or hospital team, go to your GP or the accident and emergency department at the hospital.

Symptoms to look out for after ovarian cancer treatment

You will be told about the symptoms you should look out for, so you can report them to your doctor or specialist nurse.

The ‘alert symptoms’ are:

• Vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Pain or discomfort in tummy or pelvis
• Pain or discomfort in back or legs
• Swelling in tummy or legs
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained lethargy or tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• New or persistent cough or shortness of breath

Symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but it's important to get any new symptoms checked.

Feelings after treatment

It can take some time to come to terms with a cancer diagnosis, even after your treatment has ended. Read about feelings after treatment and where to get support.

Living a healthy lifestyle

It's important to look after yourself after a cancer diagnosis. Get some advice on healthy living here.

What if the cancer comes back? 

If the cancer comes back or recurs the treatment you will be offered depends on the extent of the recurrence. If the cancer comes back to a single site you may be given an option of surgery and chemotherapy. If the cancer returns to multiple sites the treatment offered will generally be chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

Why does cancer come back after treatment?

Unfortunately sometimes cancer does come back. This doesn’t mean that you did something wrong or that your first treatment was unsuccessful. Sometimes cancer cells remain in your body and start to grow again, although your doctors do all they can to prevent this.