When you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer it is understandable to worry about what a cancer diagnosis will mean for you and to be scared that you will die. We know that cancer is a serious illness which can limit life. You may have been told that your advanced ovarian cancer is not curable, but this does not mean it is not treatable. Advanced ovarian cancer is managed a chronic condition with periods of treatment aimed at keeping you as well as possible for as long possible.

It can be useful for everyone to think about end of life issues when they are feeling well and able to put plans in place. This will mean individual preferences around care and practical issues can be taken into account. Below are some resources offering information and support around end of life issues which may be helpful.

When you feel scared and alone, we are here for you: call our support line on 0800 008 7054 Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm or email [email protected] Other ways to contact our support service are detailed here. 

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Watch End of life care: what to expect with Dr Sarah Batty, palliative care doctor

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The following Ovacome information booklets may be useful when considering the choices that are right for you if your care needs increase.

• Symptom control and palliative care
• What services are there for me now?
• Deciding to end active treatment
• Family matters

Our support team are here to talk through any worries and provide information. Call our support line on 0800 008 7054 Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm or email [email protected] Other ways to contact our support service are detailed here. 

Useful websites and resources

These are some websites which offer information and support around end of life issues:

Macmillan information on end of life

NHS information on end of life care (including living wills and power of attorney)  

UK government advice on making a will

Age UK information on end of life issues

Age UK information on end of life planning

Marie Curie provide help and support for terminal illness

Hospice UK information and support 

Compassion in Dying information and support around end of life decisions

Dying Matters is a coalition of members which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life 

UK Care Guide on the steps you need to take when someone dies in the UK

Bereavement Advice Centre includes lots of practical advice about what to do when someone dies 

Cruse bereavement care 

GriefChat provide free, professional support through grief with a qualified bereavement counsellor

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If you have any questions or need any further information please contact our support service team on 0800 008 7054 or email [email protected]

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Disclaimer: You should consult your medical team for individual specialist advice. Links to commercial and third-party websites are for general interest. Ovacome does not endorse any commercial product or accept any liability for loss or damage resulting from this information or that contained within third-party websites.

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Last updated July 2023. Due for review July 2025.