How to Find Community Resources for Ovarian Cancer Patients

Widespread community resources for ovarian cancer patients are available to help women cope with ovarian cancer from the moment they feel the first symptom to the last day of treatment and beyond. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy of the ovaries, the egg-producing female reproductive organs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Know What Community Resources are Available for Ovarian Cancer Patients

1. Use community resources to become an informed patient. Do your research to find out as much as you can about symptoms, treatments and follow-up care for ovarian cancer.
2. Take advantage of transportation services. Whether you need a ride to and from treatments or just a ride to do some shopping, find out if there are transportation services available near you.
3. Realize that there are community resources that can provide financial help for ovarian cancer patients.
4. Find out where the nearest support group meets. Ovarian cancer support groups are made up of women who can provide support to one another because they are all experiencing similar trials and triumphs.
5. Use community resources to find hospice care for patients who are experiencing the later stages of ovarian cancer and preparing to pass on.

Find Community Resources for Ovarian Cancer Patients

6. Contact local hospitals or healthcare facilities for information regarding community resources. Since medical facilities deal with cancer patients every single day, they will have the best access to the resources available in your area.
7. Consider online resources. The Internet can be considered a community resource because you have all the information you need as close as your computer.
8. Find a local chapter of a national organization like the American Cancer Society for unlimited support and advice (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that you have the right to full control over your treatment plan, and you can decide on any variations, including home care, if needed.
• Ask your doctor about community resources first. Your primary care physician should always be the first person you speak to about your treatment needs.
• Look into counseling or therapy in your area to help you cope with the serious emotional effects of your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Depression and anxiety are common among cancer patients.

Who Can Help: