How to Support Ovarian Cancer Patients

Ovarian cancer is a malignancy found in the ovaries. When a loved one who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is common to feel helpless. An ovarian cancer patient does not have to go through it alone, however, because there are things that you can do to offer your support that will make her life a little easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Support Ovarian Cancer Patients By Learning About the Disease

1. Be knowledgeable about ovarian cancer. Do your research so you know what is happening to an ovarian cancer patient biologically and can understand why she is experiencing certain symptoms and side effects.
2. Talk to your loved one's doctors. While patient information is confidential, a doctor can tell you what an ovarian cancer patient is experiencing, making it easier for you to provide the care she'll need.

Support her Throughout Her Treatment Regimens

3. Be aware of her comfort. If you live with someone battling ovarian cancer, do your best to plan meals that you know she can eat. Avoid reminding her of things that she can no longer do.
4. Communicate with the ovarian cancer patient. Establish a ratings system so that you can understand the severity of her pain or symptoms and provide help when possible.

Be Emotionally and Physically Available

5. Support your loved one physically. Let her reserve her strength to endure treatments. Offer to do household chores and run errands that could take away the energy she needs.
6. Show emotional support for someone with ovarian cancer. Be aware if she wants to talk about her illness or would rather turn to you as an escape from life at the hospital, and respond accordingly. You may want to ask her directly what she needs, so that you are able to provide support as soon as possible.
7. Join an ovarian cancer support group for families or friends. Often there are specific groups for parents, children or spouses of ovarian cancer patients.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your loved one's doctor about available community resources if you are having a difficult time caring for her on your own.
• Know that, although you may have a patient's best interests in mind, the patient herself has the legal right to determine what course of treatment she will undergo. This includes the legal right to terminate treatment.
• Pay attention to the mental health of an ovarian cancer patient, as dealing with treatments and living with cancer can sometimes cause depression. Many people consider mental health professionals pivotal members of any healthcare team.