UNDERSTANDING YOUR OVARIAN CANCER CARE TEAM: WHAT EACH SPECIALIST DOES TO SUPPORT YOUR TREATMENT, RECOVERY, AND WELLBEING
A diagnosis of ovarian cancer often comes with a sense of urgency and uncertainty. One of the most empowering things a patient can do early on is to understand who is on their cancer care team and what each professional brings to the table. Cancer treatment is rarely the work of one individual. Instead, it’s a collaborative effort led by a highly trained and diverse healthcare team, each person contributing important expertise.
There are many different healthcare specialists involved in ovarian cancer care, and their titles may differ depending on the province or territory that you live in. All healthcare providers should introduce themselves to you by name and describe their role in your care. If they do not, be sure to ask who they are and what their role is. This information will help you to better understand who some of these people are and what their role will be in your care.
"Your ovarian cancer care team is larger and more specialized than you might expect, and you are at the centre of it."
YOUR ONCOLOGY TEAM: GYNECOLOGIC, MEDICAL AND RADIATION
At the centre of ovarian cancer treatment is the gynecologic oncologist, a physician that is highly specialized in cancers of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This specialist typically performs surgery and oversees ovarian cancer treatment planning.
In larger cities, your cancer care team may include:
- Medical oncologists, who manage ovarian cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
- Radiation oncologists, who specialize in delivering targeted radiation therapy to treat ovarian cancer.
Each oncologist brings a different set of tools to the treatment plan, working together to provide you with the most effective ovarian cancer care.
“I feel honoured to be an integral part of my patients’ cancer journeys, regardless of the outcome. My goal is to offer them hope, even as its form may change over time, and to provide unwavering support during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.”
- Dr. Lana Saciragic, gynecologic oncologist
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF NURSES IN YOUR OVARIAN CANCER CARE
Nurses are a constant and compassionate presence throughout your ovarian cancer care. They are the backbone of day-to-day patient care. Throughout your treatment, you will interact with several types of nurses, each offering distinct support. In Canada, nursing roles vary by training and scope of practice, but all are regulated professionals with specific skills.
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Highly trained nurses with Master’s-level education, NPs can diagnose illness and lead follow-up care. At some of your appointment during your ovarian cancer experience you may be seen by a NP in place of a doctor. Rest assured, they are able to provide you with the highest quality of care.
- Registered Nurses (RNs): Typically hold a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a diploma in some provinces. A central person in ovarian cancer care, RNs provide hands-on care, coordinate your treatment, and offer emotional support.
- Oncology Nurses: These are RNs or NPs who specialize in cancer care. They assist with managing ovarian cancer symptoms, provide emotional support, and are a source of education.
- Registered/Licensed Practical Nurses (RPNs or LPNs): With a focus on practical care, RPNs/LPNs are often involved in bedside support and community-based care.
“As an oncology nurse, I’m honoured to provide support and compassion to patients facing challenging cancer journeys, often during their most vulnerable moments. It allows me to make a significant difference in their lives and their families by advocating for them, managing symptoms, and offering emotional support throughout their treatment process.” – Heidi Holden
OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SUPPORTING OVARIAN CANCER TREATMENT AND RECOVERY
Beyond doctors and nurses, you may work with many other professionals in your ovarian cancer treatment and recovery:
- Oncology Pharmacists: Specialize in medications used in the treatment of ovarian cancer. They are an important source of information about your medications, including potential side effects and how to manage them, and drug interactions.
- Genetic Counsellors: Specialize in how genetics increase ovarian cancer risk. They help you and your family understand any genetic conditions you have, will share information about preventing ovarian cancer (and other cancers), and support you in making informed decisions about your ovarian cancer care. Genetic Counsellors also provide emotional and familial support when learning about . Learn more about ovarian cancer and genetics.
- Clinical Trials Navigators: Help you identify clinical trials, understand the eligibility criteria, and enroll you in clinical trials and research studies that are right for you. Learn more about clinical trials and how they can give you more ovarian cancer treatment options.
- Social Workers and Patient Navigators: Help with other issues related to your ovarian cancer, like financial concerns, emotional challenges, and other support services.
“I would encourage everyone to rely on their local genetics clinic as a great resource to help you and your family to navigate before, during and after genetic testing.”
- Michaela Schellenberg
OVARIAN CANCER REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY SUPPORT
During or after ovarian cancer treatment, your recovery may include professionals who improve your mobility, independence and quality of life:
- Physiotherapists: Help you manage physical side effects of ovarian cancer treatment and recovery, including mobility or pelvic floor issues.
- Occupational Therapists: They improve your quality of life and help you get back to your daily routines, including self-care, work, hobbies, and social activities with adaptations if needed.
- Registered Dieticians (RDs): Experts in food and nutrition who offer you personalized advice; some dieticians specialize in oncology, meaning that they are experts in helping you make the nutritional choices that are best for you during ovarian cancer care. You will find RDs especially helpful if parts of your gastrointestinal system are removed during surgery.
“From studies done around the world with individuals living with cancer, we know that exercise is both safe and beneficial for all those living with cancer, across the entire cancer continuum.” – Manny Etter
SPECIALIZED SUPPORT FOR CULTURALLY SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE OVARIAN CANCER CARE
- Indigenous Patient Navigators: Ensure culturally safe care for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous patients.
- Interpreters: Ensure that language is never a barrier to understanding your health. If English or French is not your first language and if you want information in your first language, an interpreter will be helpful.
- Physician Assistants (PAs): PAs work with a supervising doctor. They help with different aspects of care, including but not limited to taking your medical history and performing physical exams.
- Personal Support Workers (PSWs): Deliver community-based care, helping with your everyday activities and home recovery. Depending on where you live in Canada, PSWs may also be called home care workers, personal care attendants, or personal aids.
Nova Scotia Health’s Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigators (MIPN)
BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERTS IN YOUR OVARIAN CANCER CARE
Many healthcare professionals work behind the scenes of your ovarian cancer care but are no less critical:
- Administrative Professionals or Patient Flow Coordinators schedule your appointments and manage communication across departments and sites.
- Lab and Imaging Technologists perform scans and lab work essential to diagnosing and monitoring ovarian cancer, though they do not interpret results for you.
- Phlebotomists draw blood for lab tests.
THE ROLE OF YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR IN OVARIAN CANCER CARE
Your family doctor is a consistent partner throughout your healthcare journey, including ovarian cancer. They coordinate care across all the people working with you, advocate for your needs, and manage your overall health beyond your ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“As family physicians we are here with you through good news and bad. From the time of diagnosis to the end of treatment we help the patient navigate through complicated systems to ensure they receive the treatment and support they need.”
- Dr. Jamie Tribo
THE MOST IMPORTANT MEMBER ON YOUR CANCER CARE TEAM: YOU
Every member on your ovarian cancer care team brings important expertise but only you bring your personal values, preferences, and lived experience. Your voice matters. Your concerns and decisions shape your ovarian cancer treatment plan and should guide every decision. As many individuals living with ovarian cancer say, “I am the captain of my ship.”