Younger women

Ovarian cancer is more common in older women, with most cancers affecting women over the age 50. This can mean younger women with ovarian cancer may feel isolated and feeling their specific needs and concerns are not being addressed. This page will provide you with information and links to other services available to you.

Having children after treatment

Some cancer treatments can affect a woman’s ability to have a child (her fertility). It is very important to talk to your team of specialists before your treatment begins.

Early menopause

Menopause is a natural event that usually happens around the age of 50. However, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for ovarian cancer can cause ‘early menopause’ in women.

Talking to and caring for children

If you have children, you may worry about how to tell them about your cancer. It’s a natural instinct to want to protect children of any age from upsetting news.

Work, study and finances

Deciding to continue, or return to work or study after treatment finishes, will depend on your health, financial situation and personal priorities. Cancer treatment can also result in additional financial pressures.

Intimacy and sexuality

Ovarian cancer and its treatment can profoundly affect the way you feel about yourself and your body, your sexual desire and your sexual relationship with others, whether or not you have a partner.

Returning to a “new normal” and fear of recurrence

In this section we talk about life after completing treatment, worries about cancer coming back, and the idea of returning to a ‘new normal.’

Younger women's network

The OCA Younger Women’s Network is an online facilitated support and information group, delivered monthly for 1.5 hours with approximately 5 – 8 women participating in each session with a health professional facilitator.

My only regret is that I wish I had joined the online support group sooner! The Younger Women’s Network has given me the opportunity to meet women from all across Australia, so we are able to connect to so many more than we otherwise would have. It reminds me that I’m not alone in facing ovarian cancer. I have learned so much from the women in the group and from the presentations, and feel truly supported.”

Nathalie

Member of the Younger Women’s Network

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