Sources of support for women with ovarian cancer

It will take time to adapt your life after diagnosis and treatment. Many people feel that they benefit from some extra support during this difficult time. There are lots of ways to get support from talking to a professional to simply chatting to someone on the phone or an internet forum.

Talking to others who have ovarian cancer

Support groups

Ask your nurse if there is a support group in your area. You may also find one suitable for you by taking a look at the Macmillan Cancer Support and Ovacome listings.

Target Ovarian Cancer courses

Target Ovarian Cancer runs a programme of courses to support women living with and beyond ovarian cancer including local roadshows, support after finishing treatment and training to raise awareness of symptoms. Visit our course information or ring 020 7923 5470

Fone Friends

The charity Ovacome runs a network which can put you in touch with someone in your local area with ovarian cancer, who you can talk to over the phone. You can join the Fone Friends network by ringing 020 7299 6654

Listen to or watch how others have found the experience of ovarian cancer

Web Forums

Many websites have forums that you can join to read about other people’s experiences and share your thoughts and feelings.

The Cancer Buddies Network contains supportive discussions and forums and can match you with women who have had a similar experience.

Macmillan Cancer Support’s Online Community is another popular choice.

Health Talk Online

Health Talk Online is a website which includes video interviews with 48 women who have had ovarian cancer. You can choose to watch full interviews or just pick certain topics.You can watch or listen to videos of the interviews, read about people's experiences and find reliable information about conditions, treatment choices and support.

Talking to someone independent

Your Nurse or GP

Many women have found that talking problems through with their Clinical Nurse Specialist or GP can be very helpful. They can give a lot of insight into your situation and will be able to refer you to more specialist services if needed.

Support centres

Many hospitals offering cancer treatment will have a cancer support centre either on-site or close to the hospital. Many centres around the country offer counselling and support free of charge as well as activities ranging from massage to gardening. Your clinical nurse specialist should be able to give you details of the support centres in your area or you can use Macmillan Cancer Support website to locate services.

Counselling

Counselling is the most common form of emotional support, with many people turning to counsellors at difficult times in their lives. A counsellor is someone independent to speak to about fears or difficulties. Being able to talk through frustrations and difficult feelings with a counsellor can allow you to be more controlled and patient with yourself and those around you.

Many NHS Trusts offer referrals to counselling services and many cancer support  centres offer free counselling services on-site. For further information contact your nurse, GP or local support centre.

Telephone Help-lines

You could ring one of the help-lines available. Staff at these help-lines will not be able to comment on your specific medical situation but will be able to help with more general queries:

Macmillan Cancer Support advice and support services are available Monday to Friday 9am-8pm. You can contact them free on 0808 808 00 00. This service also offers an interpretation service in over 200 languages. When you call, just state, in English, the language you wish to use. You can also use their text-phone service on 0808 808 0121

Ovacome operates a help-line service by telephone and email, offering information and emotional support to women, their families, friends, and carers. This runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and is staffed by registered health professionals. You can call on 0845 371 0554 or email support@ovacome.org.uk