Questions to Ask About Ovarian Cancer

This is the last page in the Understanding Ovarian Cancer Guide. This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on May 20, 2026. 

Before your appointments, it can help to write down questions you want to ask your care team. This way, you won't forget anything during your visit. Remember, there are no wrong questions. Your care team wants to make sure you understand your diagnosis and feel confident about your care.

Questions about your ovarian cancer diagnosis

• What type of ovarian cancer do I have? What is the subtype and grade?
• What stage is my ovarian cancer? What does that mean for my prognosis?
• Has my tumor been tested for genetic and molecular markers, including BRCA1, BRCA2, and HRD status?
• Should I have germline genetic testing for inherited cancer mutations?
• Should my family members consider genetic counseling or testing?
• Has my cancer spread to the lymph nodes or other organs?
• Should I get a second opinion? Will my care be managed by a gynecologic oncologist?

Questions to ask about ovarian cancer treatment

• What are my treatment options? What do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of treatment: to cure the cancer, control it, or relieve symptoms?
• What are the possible side effects of each treatment, and how can they be managed?
• How will treatment affect my daily life?
• Will I have surgery first, or chemotherapy first?
• Who will perform my surgery? Are they a gynecologic oncologist?
• Am I a candidate for PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy?
• Am I a candidate for bevacizumab or other targeted therapy?
• Will I be a candidate for immunotherapy?
• How long will treatment last?
• Are there clinical trials I should consider?

Questions about ovarian cancer surgery

• What type of surgery do I need?
• Will my uterus, both ovaries, and fallopian tubes be removed?
• How much other tissue is likely to be removed, such as the omentum, lymph nodes, or part of the bowel?
• Is fertility preservation an option for me?
• How should I prepare for surgery?
• What will recovery look like, and how long will it take?
• What signs of complications should I watch for after surgery?

Questions to ask about follow-up care

• How will we know if treatment is working?
• What follow-up tests will I need after treatment ends, and how often?
• Will my CA-125 be monitored? What does it mean if it goes up?
• What symptoms should prompt me to call your office right away?
• What is the risk that my cancer will come back? What would we do if it did?
• What are the long-term side effects I should watch for?
• How will surgical menopause be managed?

Questions to ask about clinical trials

• Are there any clinical trials I might qualify for?
• What are the potential benefits and risks of the trial?
• Will my insurance cover the costs associated with participating in a trial?

Questions to ask about coping and support

• Are there support groups for ovarian cancer patients or survivors in my area or online?
• Can you refer me to an oncology social worker?
• Are there resources to help with the financial costs of treatment?
• Can you refer me to a specialist in sexual health, menopause, or fertility?
• How can my family members or caregivers get support?
• Are there palliative care or integrative medicine services available to me?