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Select treatment area Bladder & Kidneys Blood Brain & nervous system Cancer Children's health Diabetes Digestive system Ear, nose & throat Eating & weight Eyes Fertility Heart and circulation Hormones Infections Lungs & breathing Men's health Mental health Mouth Muscles & bones Pregnancy & childbirth Sexual health Skin Sleep Staying healthy Travel health Women's health

If you've been told that you have ovarian cancer, you may want to talk to your doctor to find out more.

Here are some questions that you might want to ask.

• What stage is my ovarian cancer?
• What grade is it?
• Is my ovarian cancer linked to certain genes I got from my parents? (More than 95 percent of cases aren't.)

• Will my operation be done by a surgeon experienced in treating this type of cancer? And will it be done in a medical center that specializes in treating cancer? (You are likely to survive longer if it is.)
• Which of my organs will be taken out?
• How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
• What side effects can I expect from surgery?
• Will I need chemotherapy?
• If I need chemotherapy, will I have to stay in the hospital for it? Or can I have it at my doctor's office?
• What side effects can I expect from chemotherapy?
• How will treatment affect my usual activities?

• How often will I need checkups after treatment?
• What will happen during these checkups?
• How soon will I be able to get back to my usual activities (for example, work, sports, sex, housework, shopping)?
• How will treatment affect my sex life?

• Who will be on my health care team?
• Who do I call if I have questions or problems?
• How do I get in touch with local support groups?

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.