Ovarian cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the ovary (one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed). Most ovarian cancers are either ovarian epithelial carcinomas (cancer that begins in the cells on the surface of the ovary) or malignant germ cell tumors (cancer that begins in egg cells).
The Abramson Cancer Center hosts a wide range of materials and activities that provide education and support to address key areas of concern for cancer patients and their loved ones. We are proud that many of our innovative patient education programs have been recognized by national groups, including the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Patient Education Network.
Our educational materials and support activities help people deal with the physical and emotional consequences of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also assist patients and families to resume active lives after treatment.
Our support group meetings provide information on topics of ... read more Support
Different treatments are available for those with epithelial ovarian cancer and ovarian germ cell cancer. Some treatments are called standard. This means they are the currently used treatments. Some treatments are being tested in clincal trials. A treatment clinical trial is a study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments.
When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. You may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment, while others are available during or after treatment.
Treatment options vary depending on your situation including the stage of the... read more Treatment
Nancy Barnabei sought the "best medical treatment anywhere that could increase her odds" after she was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. At the Abramson Cancer Center, she and her medical oncologist and GI surgeon worked as a team. In addition to surgery and chemotherapy, her doctors put her on a new FDA-approved antibody drug as a targeted therapy. Two years after her diagnosis, Nancy has started her own business and will still accept only one outcome – a long life with her husband.
Watch the Focus On Gynecologic Cancers Conference Get information on the latest advances in gynecologic cancer risk, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, symptom management and psychosocial issues.
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