An affected person’s cancer treatment plan depends on the stage of cancer. This determines how intense the treatment should be to help them prepare accordingly. The level of effectiveness of the main treatments for ovarian cancer depends on how compatible the treatment plans are with the patient. The phases of cancer in medical terms, according to the level of threat, are stages 1 to 4 (lowest to highest).

Stage 1
This stage of cancer is much localized, which means the cancer hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. The chances of survival, at this stage, are high, irrespective of the type of ovarian cancer: epithelial (on the outside tissues of the ovaries), stromal (in the hormone-producing cells), or stem cell (in the egg-producing cells). The number of women who get this stage of ovarian cancer is little and often undetected. Out of the main treatments for ovarian cancer, the most suitable treatment plan is the surgical method. In some cases, if the ovary and the womb had remained unaffected, women would not lose their ability to have a baby. Doctors recommend adjuvant chemotherapy to increase the chances of being cancer-free.

Stage 2
This stage of cancer implies that cancer has spread from the ovaries to the surrounding pelvic region.

Stage 2A- fallopian tubes or the uterus

Stage 2B- bladder, rectum, or colon.

This stage of cancer falls under the “regional” type of cancer and the survival percentage at this stage is around 70%. Out of the main treatments for ovarian cancer, surgery and chemotherapy are advised by oncologists.

Stage 3
Stage 3 of ovarian cancer is also a type of regional cancer as it means that cancer has spread to the surrounding areas of the ovaries like the fallopian tubes, uterus, and other organs. Cancer might have reached the abdominal cavity and to the lymph nodes. This stage of cancer is advanced and requires a lot of treatment to destroy the cancer cells. Even then, the chances of cancer reappearing are high. The main treatments for ovarian cancer at this stage of cancer are multiple rounds of surgery and chemotherapy. Sometimes, patients may have to undergo more surgeries after chemotherapy. The survival rate is low (around 60-70%) after 5 years.

Stage 4
This is the last stage of cancer and is known as metastatic or secondary cancer. In this type of advanced cancer, cancer has spread further into the organs far from the pelvic region, like the liver, lungs, brain, or spleen. The survival rate is extremely low (around 10-20%) after 5 years. All the main treatments for ovarian cancer like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are used to extend life for a few more years.

In the long run, all the treatment plans work well depending on what stage the patient is at. However, it is essential to go for regular checkups. The different treatment methods attempt to cure cancer and help the patient live an easier life.