There isn’t a correct way to feel or cope with the diagnosis. Each person tries to find the best solution at the time for their particular situation.

Some women describe a sense of disbelief and shock at diagnosis, others feel relieved that their symptoms have been explained. Some feel angry that the problem was not found earlier.

The diagnosis can be frightening when it is unclear exactly what will happen. The different challenges of treatment, mean that women may be at risk for symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Illness always becomes a family problem and so there can be additional concerns about how to deal with the feelings of family and friends.

The commonest psychological problem is knowing that it is possible for the cancer to come back. There may be times when there are unwanted thoughts and worries about recurrence. Some people find it hard to distance themselves from these thoughts, others seem to be able to put the thoughts aside and get on with everyday life.

Some women don’t want the illness to make big changes in their lives and they try to return to living and working as they did before the diagnosis.

Others find that the diagnosis changes how they see the world. It can change the view of what is important in life and put things into perspective. Some women seek to find time for themselves, live for the day and take opportunities to do things that they may have put off.

The diagnosis of ovarian cancer challenges women to cope with unexpected and unwanted changes in their life. Each person is trying to find the best solution for themselves and their family, and different coping strategies may be used at different points of treatment.

At The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, psychological aspects of illness is seen as important. Please mention your concerns to your clinical team who will suggest the most appropriate person to help you.

Mrs Alison Piper BA (Hons), MScClinPsychol, Cpsychol, AFBPsS
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Trust