Support Resources for People with Ovarian Cancer

Going through treatment for ovarian cancer may feel overwhelming. Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with advanced ovarian cancer, or currently in remission, you do not have to experience this alone.

There are many support groups, organizations, and resources for people with cancer. It is important to evaluate the resources you find. Take the time to find trusted, established resources or organizations that are transparent and fact-based.

If you have any questions or want to connect with others, the following resources are good places to start.

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is the oldest and largest ovarian cancer charity in the world. Along with general information about ovarian cancer, the OCRA website provides details on:

• Clinical trials
• Resources and information specifically for younger women with ovarian cancer
• Peer support
• Online support groups
• Ways to get involved with ovarian cancer advocacy
• Research news
• Events for people with ovarian cancer

Whether you are newly diagnosed, a long-term survivor of ovarian cancer, or a caregiver, OCRA has information you can use.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) works to educate communities and increase awareness about ovarian cancer. There are many NOCC chapters in different states. The NOCC website provides details to people living with ovarian cancer, caregivers, and loved ones. You can find details like:

• General information about ovarian cancer and diagnosis
• Information about cancer that has come back (recurrent cancer)
• Research
• Community outreach
• Ways to connect with others
• Events

Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation

The Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation advocates for ovarian cancer awareness and treatment advancements. They provide educational resources and support programs for people affected by ovarian cancer. Along with their mission, Sandy Rollman's website provides information about:

• Support programs
• Informational resources
• Clinical trial support
• Advocacy opportunities

SHARE Cancer Support

SHARE Cancer Support provides support for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers with a focus on empowering underserved communities. SHARE offers a range of unique support tools that include:

• Support groups
• National cancer help lines
• Educational programs and tools
• Clinical trial resources
• Outreach programs for underserved communities

Foundation for Women’s Cancer

The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) is the official foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO). While the FWC does not focus solely on ovarian cancer, its website has factual, accessible information about ovarian cancer and its treatment. It also contains details about:

• Gynecologic cancer risk and prevention
• Finding and locating a specialist
• Survivorship
• Caregiving
• Palliative care
• Clinical trials
• Research news
• Events

You can also access free webinars and online education courses for people living with ovarian cancer and caregivers.

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) is an organization that focuses on hereditary cancer, including ovarian cancer. This is a good website to explore if your ovarian cancer was linked to a hereditary genetic mutation or condition. Topics explored on this site include:

• Information on hereditary cancers
• Genetic testing
• How to get genetic testing
• What happens after testing
• Genes and cancer
• Talking to family about genes
• Reducing your risk
• Cancer treatment
• Fertility and family planning
• Menopause
• Survivorship and overall health
• Research
• Clinical trials

There are also blogs, a handy glossary, and webinars. While not ovarian cancer-specific, this is an extensive resource for those with hereditary ovarian cancer.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a well-known organization that provides research and information on many cancers and their treatment. It also has information on survivorship and other resources for people with cancer. When you explore the ACS site, you can find more details like:

• Overview of ovarian cancer
• Statistics about ovarian cancer
• Treatment options
• Life after treatment
• Support options

The ACS also has details on how to stay healthy, new research, financial resources, end-of-life issues, and more.

Finding in-person support

Online communities and resources are helpful tools. They may sometimes offer in-person resources, but not always. If you are looking for in-person support groups, talk to your doctor or care team.

Your team may know of a therapist or counselor who runs an in-person support group you can join. Many local cancer centers and hospitals also offer in-person groups for people with cancer.

You can also try searching cancer websites for a list of regional support groups, such as the American Cancer Society’s resources page.