Questions to ask: Ovarian cancer
Diagnosis
- Did my cancer start in the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum?
- What type of ovarian cancer do I have (high-grade serous or another type)?
- What stage is my cancer?
- Will a gynecologic oncologist do my surgery?
- Has my blood been tested for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other inherited gene changes?
- Has my tumor been tested for BRCA, HRD, and MMR?
- What is my CA-125 level, and how will we use it?
- Is the goal of treatment to cure the cancer or to control it for a long time?
- Should my family members get genetic counseling?
- Should I get a second opinion at a center that treats many ovarian cancers?
Before
- Will I have surgery first, or chemotherapy first?
- Can all of the visible cancer be removed?
- Is HIPEC or chemotherapy into the belly an option for me?
- Will I get bevacizumab with my chemotherapy?
- Will I be a good fit for PARP inhibitor maintenance after chemotherapy?
- Can I keep my fertility? Should I see a fertility doctor first?
- Will surgery put me into menopause, and how can we manage it?
- What are the most common side effects of my treatment?
- How long will recovery from surgery take?
- Are there clinical trials I could join?
- Who should I call with problems at night or on weekends?
- What costs should I expect, and who can help with insurance?
During
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- What does my CA-125 trend mean?
- Which side effects should I call about right away?
- What can I do about numbness in my hands and feet?
- How often will you check my blood counts on maintenance pills?
- What should I do if my belly swells or I feel very bloated?
- Can I see a dietitian, counselor, or palliative care team?
- Are there foods or supplements I should avoid with my medicines?
- How can my caregiver help, and what should they watch for?
- When is my next scan?
After
- How often will I need checkups, and will I have CA-125 tests or scans?
- What signs could mean the cancer has come back?
- How long will I stay on maintenance medicine?
- If the cancer comes back, what are my options?
- How can I protect my bones and heart after early menopause?
- What can help with vaginal dryness or sexual changes?
- Who will be my main doctor after treatment ends?
- Where can my family and I find support groups?
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.