In short
Standard treatment is surgery to remove as much tumour as possible, plus platinum-based chemotherapy. Some people have chemotherapy first. PARP inhibitor tablets such as olaparib are used as maintenance for some BRCA-mutated cancers. Bevacizumab is added for some people. Exact combinations follow NICE criteria on the NHS.
High-grade serous carcinoma is the most common subtype and is strongly linked with BRCA changes. World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas, not UK clinics and not research labs.
What does surgery involve?
Cytoreductive surgery may include hysterectomy, removal of both ovaries and tubes, and omentectomy. Some people have chemotherapy first to shrink disease.
What drugs are used afterwards?
Carboplatin with paclitaxel is the usual backbone. PARP inhibitors exploit DNA-repair weakness in BRCA-mutated tumours. Bevacizumab is used in some first-line and recurrent settings.
How does funding overseas differ?
These drugs are NHS-funded in Britain when criteria are met. WAN pays partner hospital bills for patients who cannot afford private oncology in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.
What are the key takeaways?
- Surgery plus platinum chemotherapy is the core pathway.
- PARP inhibitors help some people with BRCA-mutated disease.
- Most UK cases are still found at stage 3 or 4.
- WAN funds access overseas, not UK clinics.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty puts them out of reach — so a treatable cancer too often becomes a fatal one. World Aid Network funds treatment through locally-licensed oncologists for patients who cannot pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is ovarian cancer curable?
Stage 1 disease is often treated with curative intent and has high survival. Later-stage disease is often treated to control it for as long as possible.
Will I need my ovaries removed?
Surgery for suspected ovarian cancer usually includes removing the ovaries. Fertility-sparing options are sometimes discussed for selected early cases in specialist centres.
Does World Aid Network pay for olaparib?
We fund treatment a partner clinician has recommended and that the hospital can deliver. Exact drugs depend on diagnosis, stage and local availability.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It was reviewed by the World Aid Network editorial team for accuracy against NHS and World Health Organization sources. Always speak to a GP or qualified clinician about your own health.