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How to support a loved one with ovarian cancer.

Supporting Someone with Ovarian Cancer

By caring for someone with ovarian cancer, you’re providing mental and physical support when it’s needed most. But it can be tough on you as a caregiver. Ovarian cancer caregivers must juggle daily tasks while managing everything medical. You provide emotional support while coping with your own feelings.

Here’s some advice to help you get through the ups and downs of helping someone with this condition while remembering to take care of yourself.

Written by: Lisa Merriam | Medical review by: Dr. Danielle K. Miller, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN | Legal review by: Jamie Pfeiffer, JD |

Updated on:Jul 24, 2025

What to expect on your caregiver journey

Ovarian cancer is a disease that often grows silently, typically spreading beyond the ovaries before it’s even detected by your doctor. Receiving a diagnosis reshapes daily life forever—not just for the patient, but those closest to them. Treatment can be physically and emotionally draining, which is why your role as a caregiver is an essential part of the ovarian cancer caregiver team.

You’ll have to navigate a complex medical system, help make difficult decisions and often manage unexpected financial or legal challenges—all of which is demanding work.

Caring for someone with ovarian cancer can take a toll on your own physical and mental health. It’s necessary to care for yourself and get help whenever possible. Your loved one will be depending on you for a long time, so it’s important to stay grounded, informed and supported. Take advantage of the ovarian cancer caregiver resources that are available to guide and help you as you provide care. You don’t have to do this alone.

Find out if your loved one’s ovarian cancer was related to product exposure

“Products like talcum powder and chemical hair relaxers have been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer in recent studies. Many people who used these products regularly had no idea they contained potentially harmful ingredients. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.”

Learn more about the potential connection between ovarian cancer and common household products:

— Jamie Pfeiffer, JD, Medical Contributor
Explore Talcum Powder Risks

How to care for someone with ovarian cancer

Supporting a loved one with ovarian cancer requires giving different kinds of care, such as:

  • Practical everyday help

  • Managing medical appointments and medications

  • Advocating and speaking up for them when they don’t have the energy to do so themselves

  • Listening, encouraging and offering comfort and support

Here are some tips for helping someone with ovarian cancer:

Helping with daily tasks

Routine tasks can be difficult for someone fighting ovarian cancer. Treatment side effects include fatigue and nausea, which make dealing with daily life challenging. As a caregiver, you can assist by stepping in to handle both practical and personal needs, while respecting your loved one’s independence as much as possible.

Providing support for ovarian cancer patients often means taking care of the little things. You can help with home care by taking care of cooking, housework and running errands. You may also be called upon to help with personal care tasks like bathing and dressing.

Ways you can help include:

  • Check in regularly and ask what help is needed. Your loved one may want hands-on support, but some people value independence. Your loved one’s needs will also likely change during the treatment cycle, with good days and bad days. Rather than assuming what they need, ask questions to make sure you’re supporting them how and when they need it.

  • Cook simple, nourishing meals. Small, frequent meals rich in protein and calories are easier to tolerate and can help maintain strength and weight during treatment.

  • Maintain a clean, clutter-free environment. A clean space is easier to move around in and can help your loved one feel calmer and less stressed. Keeping a clean, sanitary environment also helps lower the risk of infection if your loved one’s white blood cell counts are low. Some tips include wiping down high-touch surfaces daily and avoiding fresh flowers or gardening during periods of immune suppression.

  • Pace activities and visits. Ensure that your loved one gets plenty of time to rest and relax, especially after chemotherapy sessions. You can also encourage healthy, restorative activities like short walks, music or quiet reading when possible.

Providing emotional support

Your presence, understanding and willingness to listen are more important than you might imagine. Stress, uncertainty, fear, regret and feeling like a burden to others are just some of the emotions your loved one may feel.

Quiet moments of companionship and small gestures of support are as valuable as talking things through. And don’t let ovarian cancer take over every minute of every day—take time to enjoy life together and have fun.

Try these tips:

  • Be a good listener. Encourage your loved one to share their thoughts and feelings with you. You don’t need to have all the answers or to try to fix everything in order to help. Ask open-ended questions and take the time to understand what they’re feeling and why. Resist the urge to give advice unless your loved one requests it.

  • Offer encouragement. You don’t want to minimize what your loved one is going through, but it does help to provide assurance and validate their emotions.

  • Respect their feelings. Emotions go up and down. They may crave companionship or may want to be alone. Accommodate their needs without making demands.

  • Take time for joy. Whether it’s watching a game show together, going for walks or doing something special when they’re up for it, do what you can to avoid always focusing on ovarian cancer. Creating a sense of normalcy protects your loved one’s sense of self and strengthens your bond.

  • Become comfortable with silence. You don’t need to fill every pause with something to say. Sitting quietly with your loved one is often as meaningful as sharing a conversation.

Advocating for their needs

Ovarian cancer caregivers play a critical role in making sure care stays centered on what matters most to their loved one. You are their voice, partner and protector in a healthcare system that can be difficult to navigate and understand.

By championing your loved one, you can improve their care and ensure they take this journey on their own terms as much as possible. Try the following:

  • Stay on track. A notebook or app can help you keep track of symptoms, manage medications and take notes. It may be helpful to write down your top 2-3 questions to take to your appointments.

  • Ask questions when needed. If something isn’t clear, ask for plain-language explanations or written instructions.

  • Ensure their voice is heard. Speak up to make sure your loved one’s wishes and needs are heard. If you notice errors, delays or dismissive attitudes, address them calmly but firmly. If necessary, request second opinions, escalate concerns and advocate for timely care.

  • Get to know their doctors and care team. Build relationships with the people on your loved one’s medical team so that you can be open and honest with them.

  • Address language or cultural needs. Make sure the care your loved one receives aligns with their cultural needs and religious values whenever possible. For example, if English isn’t your loved one’s first language, you can request a qualified medical interpreter to help with communication.

How ovarian cancer caregivers can help.

Helping with bills and paperwork

Bills and paperwork quickly pile up. One of the more frustrating and challenging ovarian cancer caregiver struggles is dealing with this burden while also coping with emotional and physical stress. For the person with ovarian cancer, it can quickly become overwhelming.

You can help by sorting and filing medical and insurance paperwork and keeping track of insurance claim submissions and resubmissions, errors and payments. You can also help with financial aid applications and disability benefits filings. Ensure you have access to the appropriate medical records and check them for accuracy, along with maintaining medical documents, prescriptions and appointment schedules.

The following tips will help you better manage things:

  • Organize paperwork and keep it safe. Create a physical folder or digital system for organizing documents like insurance cards and policy numbers, treatment consent forms and advance directives or power of attorney documents. Be sure to store everything in a place that’s safe and easy to locate.

  • Review bills and documents carefully. Mistakes happen. You might be able to appeal charges and coverage decisions and get changes in your favor. The amount of time you have to file an appeal or grievance is often limited to between 30 and 90 days. This period may start as soon as the date of the bill or denial. It's essential to review paperwork immediately and act quickly if you believe there's a billing issue or wish to dispute a denial of coverage.

  • Keep track of important dates. Set reminders on the calendar or alarms on your phone to remind you of key due dates and appointments.

  • Seek out financial assistance programs. Your care team leader or hospital social worker may be able to connect you with caregiver resources that can help with bills. These include hospital charity care or sliding-scale programs, as well as non-profit grants for ovarian cancer patients and caregivers.

Managing medical appointments and medications

Caring for someone with ovarian cancer almost always involves helping with treatments and medications. You may need to juggle multiple doctors' information, schedule and track tests and keep track of prescriptions, especially to ensure they’re taken correctly and on time and don’t run out.

You may need to drive your loved one to and from medical visits and take part in them, making notes and asking questions. Tracking side effects and reporting them to your loved one’s care team can help them fine-tune or change treatments. Important things to consider are:

  • Don’t try to rely on your memory. A paper calendar with notes or a specialized app on your phone can help you keep tabs on appointments, tests and medications. Keeping everything in one place prevents scheduling errors and reduces stress for you and your loved one.

  • Keep a running list of questions. Medical visits can feel rushed, and it’s easy to forget things. It’s helpful to jot down questions as they come to mind so that you can get answers at medical appointments.

  • Track medications and reactions. Keep a list of medications, doses, timing and side effects or reactions. Be sure to note when side effects worsen or new symptoms appear, as this can help the care team adjust treatment when necessary.

  • Set up reminders. Your phone alarm function and a pill organizer can help you manage complex schedules for various medications.

More information about ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer early warning signs & symptoms
Early warning signs of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer early warning signs & symptoms

Learn about the early warning signs of ovarian cancer so you can seek care as soon as possible.

Read more
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer

Find out what’s next after a diagnosis, so you and your loved one are informed and ready.

Read more
Dealing with the costs of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer financial help.

Dealing with the costs of ovarian cancer

Explore your options for financial support to help with the costs of treatment.

Read more

More ways to support a loved one with ovarian cancer

You don’t have to be a primary caregiver to make a meaningful difference. Even small gestures can help someone with ovarian cancer feel supported and remind them they’re not alone. Your involvement can also ease some of the responsibilities carried by their main caregiver.

Here are a few simple but impactful ways you can lend a hand:

  • Stay in touch with cards, texts and phone calls to let them know you’re thinking about them.

  • Offer to help with errands like getting groceries and prescriptions.

  • Provide transportation for others in their household, such as kids, a spouse or an elderly parent.

  • Walk the dog, do laundry, clean the house or mow the lawn.

  • Schedule a housecleaning service to free up time for the patient and their caregiver.

  • Bring them a home-cooked meal, get carry-out from their favorite restaurant or set up a food delivery service for them.

  • Visit when they have the energy and are feeling well enough.

Self-care tips for ovarian cancer caregivers

Ovarian cancer caregiver health and emotional well-being.

Getting ovarian cancer caregiver support for yourself will help you be there for your loved one for the long haul. While giving care is a loving and rewarding thing to do, it takes a lot out of you. You might put your own needs last, which can lead to burnout, health issues, feelings of depression and more. Studies show that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, but necessary. You need to stay strong physically and emotionally.

When managing ovarian cancer at home, here are some tips for taking care of yourself:

  • Set boundaries and don’t be afraid to say no. Boundaries keep you from getting overwhelmed and let everyone know your limits. Consider having a backup caregiver in place for when things get too overwhelming or you need more time for yourself.

  • Get enough sleep, pay special attention to eating well-balanced meals and staying hydrated, and get regular exercise to help yourself stay physically healthy.

  • Spend time doing things you love and make space for some alone time, too.

  • Connect with friends, family and support groups where you can share your experiences and feelings, while getting help and tips.

  • Get professional help with processing your emotions. A therapist, counselor or clergy member can help you through tough times.

Could past exposure to a dangerous product be linked to your loved one’s ovarian cancer?

“Studies suggest that using talcum powder or chemical hair relaxers for many years may raise the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Many people used these products without knowing they could be harmful. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you may have legal options and could be eligible for compensation to help you manage the costs of treatment.”

Learn more about the potential connection between ovarian cancer and common household products:

— Dr. Danielle K. Miller, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, Medical-Legal Content Specialist & Healthcare Strategist
Explore Talcum Powder Risks

FAQs

  • What resources are available for ovarian cancer?

    You can’t go it alone when caring for someone with ovarian cancer. Organizations like the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and CancerCare have programs that offer education, counseling and peer support, plus some financial guidance. You can find online and in-person communities and support groups for sharing experiences and tips.

    Oncology social workers and healthcare counselors can point you towards resources for navigating insurance issues, protecting employment rights and getting legal aid.

  • What exercise is good for ovarian cancer patients?

    Getting up and moving gives a boost to your loved one’s emotional well-being while improving their strength and agility. It can also reduce fatigue. What’s possible for them to do depends on where they are in the treatment cycle.

    Start slowly and try different activities to see what works best and keeps them safe. Walking, stretching and doing yoga are good options. As a caregiver, exercise is important for you, too.

  • Can I take time off work to help someone with ovarian cancer?

    It may be difficult to work your regular job while providing ovarian cancer support. Thankfully, programs exist that offer job protection and potential income support while you’re helping someone with ovarian cancer. Some things to look into include:

    • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This federal program gives eligible employees of covered employers 12 weeks of unpaid leave to take care of a family member or qualified dependent without risking their job.

    • State-paid family leave: Some states have programs like the FMLA that are governed by state law. These may allow you to collect partial wages while you’re out of work caring for an eligible family member or dependent. Check with your state’s labor department to learn more.

    • Taking vacation/paid time off: If you have unused paid time off (PTO), sick leave, or vacation time, you may be able to take time to care for a loved one while still getting paid. Some employers also allow workers to donate their banked PTO to other employees. Check with your employer to see what benefits apply to you.

    • Arranging flexible work: Some employers may be willing to help you out with a flexible work schedule, reduced hours or work-from-home arrangements. These options can help you be present to assist your loved one while still earning money.

  • Can you get disability benefits for ovarian cancer?

    Two programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SupplementalSecurity Income (SSI), may be able to provide financial assistance if ovarian cancer makes it impossible for your loved one to work. You can help them apply for these benefits.

    You’ll have to document your loved one's diagnosis, treatment program and physical limitations. Gather documents and reports covering surgeries, pathology reports, images, and all other medical records. Compile any information about symptom tracking and how the disease and treatment affects your loved one's day-to-day life.

    Completing all of the paperwork and successfully qualifying for SSDI or SSI can be complicated and time-consuming. You may wish to work with a disability advocate or lawyer who specializes in making SSDI/SSI claims.

  • What positive messages can you say to someone with ovarian cancer?

    What you say can have as much impact as what you do when providing support for ovarian cancer patients. Simple statements, straight from the heart, let them know you’re there for them and that you understand. Things to say during this difficult time include:

    • “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or scared.”

    • “I don’t know what to say, but I’m here for you.”

    • “This must be hard for you.”

    • “I’m so sorry you are going through this.”

    • “No one can be positive all the time, so tell me what’s on your mind.”

    • “Any time you want to talk, I’m here to listen.”

    • “Would it help if I <fill in the blank with a specific offer of help>?”

    • “We can still <fill in the blank with a favorite activity, if practical>.”

    • “Remember when <fill in the blank with a treasured or humorous memory>?”

Meet the experts behind the article

Lisa Merriam
Lisa Merriam

Written by:

Lisa Merriam

Lisa Merriam is an experienced copywriter specializing in medical content, combining technical precision with clarity to ensure articles are accessible and accurate.

Read more
Dr. Danielle K. Miller, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN
Dr. Danielle Miller

Medical review by:

Dr. Danielle K. Miller, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN

Danielle Miller brings more than two decades of expertise at the intersection of healthcare, education, and advocacy to her roles. As a doctorate-prepared nurse, certified birth and postpartum doula, and current law student, Danielle specializes in creating evidence-based yet empathetic content that empowers families navigating complex medical-legal issues.

Read more
Jamie Pfeiffer, JD
Jamie Pfeiffer, JD

Legal review by:

Jamie Pfeiffer, JD

Jamie L. Pfeiffer is a retired attorney with extensive experience litigating large-scale asbestos and toxic tort cases in Illinois, Oregon, and Washington. She brings a wealth of legal expertise to reviewing articles about toxic exposure and legal accountability in mass torts.

Read more