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Newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Just Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer: Now What?

Hearing you have an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be difficult. After the initial shock, fear and uncertainty often set in and you may feel anxious or afraid. Then comes the flood of urgent questions about what comes next.

This guide will help you understand what happens next, including available ovarian cancer treatment options and where to find the help, care, information and resources you need to get through this.

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

I’ve just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. What should I know?

While it can be overwhelming, one of the first things to do when you get an ovarian cancer diagnosis is to learn as much as you can about the disease.

It’s completely normal to feel afraid, but many people with ovarian cancer go on to recover and live full lives for decades, especially when it’s caught early. The stage of diagnosis will help guide your treatment plan options and your possible outcomes.

In order to make informed decisions about your care, it’s important to equip yourself with clear information about your options and surround yourself with a strong support system. Ask for help and lean on your care team, family and friends. This will help you get what you need as you get through treatment.

Find out if your ovarian cancer was caused by exposure to a dangerous product

“Long-term use of certain products like talcum powder and chemical hair relaxers has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Many women used these products for years without knowing the potential risks. If you've been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be able to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. Click below to see if you qualify.”

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

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

Ovarian cancer stages and what they mean

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed in stages based on how far it has spread in the body. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) system includes four main stages and multiple subcategories that describe where the cancer is found. 

Understanding your stage of ovarian cancer helps you and your care team choose the right treatment plan. If the cancer is caught early at Stage 1, surgery and chemotherapy may be enough. If it’s more advanced and has spread beyond the ovaries, you may need additional, more specialized therapies.

Here’s an overview of the ovarian cancer stages and the ovarian cancer treatment programs typical for each one:

Stage 1 ovarian cancer

Stage 1 ovarian cancer means the cancer is limited to the ovaries. It may be in just one ovary or both, but it hasn’t spread anywhere else. At this stage, the chances of successful treatment are very high.

Treatment almost always involves surgery to remove the affected ovary or ovaries. It may also include other reproductive organs if necessary, such as the uterus. This procedure is called a hysterectomy. In some cases, chemotherapy is recommended after surgery to lower the risk of the cancer returning.

Your treatment will be partly determined by the subcategory of your Stage 1 ovarian cancer. These are:

  • Stage 1A: Cancer is only in one ovary, contained within it, and not found on the surface or in the fluid around the abdomen.

  • Stage 1B: Cancer is present in both ovaries, but is still contained within them.

  • Stage 1C1: If the tumor ruptures or leaks during surgery, there’s a risk of cancer cells spreading inside the abdomen. Chemotherapy is usually recommended at this stage.

  • Stage 1C2: If the tumor ruptures before surgery or cancer cells are found on the surface of the ovary, chemotherapy is advised.

  • Stage 1C3: A fluid known as ascites may build up in your belly related to certain ovarian cancers. If this fluid or the fluid used to rinse your abdomen during surgery contains cancer cells, this suggests your cancer may have started to spread. Chemotherapy is usually part of the treatment at this stage.

Stage 2 ovarian cancer

In Stage 2 ovarian cancer, the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries but remains limited to the pelvic area. It may involve nearby organs, like the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder or rectum. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove as much cancer as possible, followed by chemotherapy to reduce the risk of it coming back. Although Stage 2 ovarian cancer is more advanced than Stage 1, many people respond well to treatment and achieve complete remission.

Stage 2 is broken down into two sub-stages, based on where the cancer has spread:

  • Stage 2A: The cancer has moved to the uterus, fallopian tubes or both.

  • Stage 2B: 2B is a more advanced Stage 2. The cancer has moved beyond the reproductive organs and may have spread to the bladder or rectum.

Ovarian cancer stages.

Stage 3 ovarian cancer

Stage 3 ovarian cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries and pelvic area into the abdomen or nearby lymph nodes. It may involve the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, or lymph nodes in the pelvis or around major blood vessels.

This stage almost always includes surgery to remove as much visible cancer as possible, known as debulking. This is followed by chemotherapy to target any remaining cancer cells. Although this stage is more advanced, many people still respond well to treatment and achieve remission.

Stage 3 is divided into sub-stages based on how far the cancer has spread and the size of the tumors. They are:

  • Stage 3A1: Cancer is found in nearby lymph nodes, but is not yet visible on the abdominal lining. Lymph nodes are removed during surgery, followed by chemotherapy.

  • Stage 3A2: Tiny cancer deposits are present on the abdominal lining, but are only detectable under a microscope during surgery. Treatment involves chemotherapy.

  • Stage 3B: Visible tumors smaller than 2 cm (about the size of a dime) are found on the abdominal lining. The surgeon will remove as many of these as possible, along with any affected lymph nodes that are visible. Afterwards, chemotherapy is given.

  • Stage 3C: Larger tumors (2 cm or more) are visibly present on the abdominal wall and may also appear on the surface of the liver or spleen. The surgeon will perform extensive debulking. Chemotherapy is standard at this stage of ovarian cancer.

Stage 4 ovarian cancer

Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of ovarian cancer. At this stage, it has spread beyond the abdomen to distant organs, such as the lungs or lymph nodes outside the abdominal area. Symptoms are more severe as a result.

The goal at this stage is to control the disease, relieve symptoms and help you live as well and as long as possible. Treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can improve the length and quality of your life. You may also undergo targeted therapies and potentially participate in clinical trials.

The two sub-stages that describe how far the cancer has spread are:

  • Stage 4A: Cancer cells are present in the fluid around the lungs, called pleural fluid, but there’s no evidence of cancer inside the lung tissue itself.

  • Stage 4B: Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as deep within the liver or into the lungs, or to lymph nodes outside the abdominal area.

More information about ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer risk factors and signs
Risk factors and signs of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer risk factors and signs

Find out the risk factors that may have caused your ovarian cancer so you can better understand your diagnosis.

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

Dealing with the costs of ovarian cancer

Learn about what ovarian cancer treatment options cost and ways to help pay for them.

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Caring for someone with ovarian cancer
Support for someone with ovarian cancer.

Caring for someone with ovarian cancer

Explore ways you can help and care for a loved one with an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Read more

Could past exposure to a dangerous product be linked to your ovarian cancer?

“Recent studies suggest that regular use of talcum powder or chemical hair relaxers may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Many patients may not be aware of the long-term effects these products can have. If you've been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be eligible to seek compensation.”

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

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

Moving forward after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer

Support after an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Going through ovarian cancer treatment and potential surgery can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. It’s normal to feel fear and worry, but focusing on advocating for yourself and being informed of your options can help you stay grounded and healthy. Treatments for ovarian cancer can take a lot out of you, so maintaining a sense of normalcy will be important.

Stick to a simple routine when you can and don’t push yourself too hard. Rest is just as important as activity. Eat what you’re able to, drink plenty of fluids and ask about seeing a dietitian if eating becomes difficult.

Don’t hesitate to lean on family, friends and your care team for help. It may be helpful to find a support group to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Your care team should also include a social worker to assist with programs that can help with medical costs, transportation and other needs.

See tips and resources if you’re caring for someone with ovarian cancer.

Fertility considerations before and during ovarian cancer treatment

If you’re young and hope to have a family someday, you might be concerned about your ability to get pregnant after ovarian cancer. Ask your healthcare team and a reproductive specialist about fertility preservation, such as hormone therapy, egg freezing or embryo freezing. There may be options that align with your goals — even during cancer treatment — so being informed will help you make the best decisions for your situation.

Here are some details about how treatments for ovarian cancer may affect your ability to conceive and have a baby:

Fertility considerations for ovarian cancer treatment.

Multi-column content section heading

How ovarian cancer treatment impacts fertility

Depending on the stage of your ovarian cancer, the disease and treatments can affect your ability to have a baby in the following ways:

  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs can damage the ovaries, reducing or stopping their ability to make eggs. The damage might be permanent or temporary.

  • Radiation: Radiation to the pelvic area can harm both the ovaries and the uterus, making it harder to produce eggs or carry a pregnancy.

  • Surgery: If one or both ovaries are removed, you’ll no longer produce eggs and won’t be able to conceive naturally. If you were able to freeze eggs or embryos before treatment, you can still have a biologically related child through IVF, either carried by you (if your uterus is intact) or by a gestational surrogate.

  • Hormonal changes: Chemotherapy and ovarian cancer medication can disrupt hormone production and may stop hormones from being produced completely. This can cause early menopause or infertility.

Ovarian cancer and fertility preservation options

If you plan ahead and work with reproductive professionals, you may be able to preserve your fertility so that you can have a baby someday. Here are some of your options:

  • Cryopreservation (egg or embryo freezing): Before surgery, you may be able to harvest eggs and freeze them, either fertilized or unfertilized, so you can get pregnant after you recover.

  • Gestational surrogacy: If treatment affects your ability to carry a pregnancy, you may still be able to have a child using your own frozen eggs or embryos and a surrogate to carry the baby.

  • Ovarian tissue freezing: You may be able to save a healthy part of your ovary to be re-implanted in your body later, potentially restoring your fertility and normalizing your hormones.

  • GnRH agonists: These medications stop your ovaries from functioning during chemotherapy treatments, giving them some protection from long-term damage.

  • Surgery: If your cancer is in just one ovary, you may be able to get pregnant with the one you have left after surgery.

FAQs

  • How quickly does ovarian cancer spread?

    Ovarian cancer spreads faster
    than some other cancers. It often goes undetected in its early stages because its symptoms are subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. It typically spreads within the abdomen before noticeable signs appear, which is why ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage.

    Although there’s no proven screening test for average-risk women, being alert to the symptoms and getting regular medical evaluations can help improve your chances of getting a diagnosis early.

  • Is ovarian cancer curable if discovered in early stages?

    When it’s found at an early stage, ovarian cancer can often be treated effectively and sometimes even cured. Survival rates drop as the disease advances, which is why early detection matters. For example, about 90% of people diagnosed at Stage 1 are still alive five years after diagnosis. Starting appropriate treatment as soon as possible also improves outcomes.

  • What are the most common treatments for ovarian cancer?

    Most ovarian cancers are treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The goal of surgery is to remove as much visible cancer as possible, which is called debulking. Chemotherapy is then used to destroy any cancer cells that remain. Additional treatments, such as targeted therapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy, may be recommended based on the type of ovarian cancer, its stage at diagnosis and genetic test results.

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.

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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