Finishing treatment for ovarian cancer can bring a mix of relief and uncertainty. Many patients wonder what happens next and how to recognize if the cancer returns. According to Dr. Beth Karlan of UCLA Health, follow-up care is not just about tests, it’s about learning to understand your body, staying connected to your care team, and knowing that there are still many treatment options available if recurrence happens.
Staying aware: Know your body
After treatment, your body may feel different, and that’s normal. But staying in tune with those changes is one of the most important tools you have. Dr. Karlan emphasizes, “Know your body. Know what’s different for you.”
This includes paying attention to:
- Changes in how your clothes fit (like new bloating)
- Shifts in bowel habits
- Recurring symptoms you experienced at diagnosis, such as pelvic discomfort
Not every change is a cause for concern. For example, travel or diet changes can temporarily affect digestion. But the key is noticing patterns.
Dr. Karlan advises focusing on symptoms that are “persistent and progressive.” If something happens daily, lasts more than a week or two, and seems to be getting worse, then it’s time to reach out to your care team.
Stay connected with your care team
It can be difficult to know when to speak up, but you don’t have to wait until something feels serious. Dr. Karlan notes that even a quick message through your patient portal can help clarify whether what you’re experiencing needs further evaluation.
Remember, after surgery and chemotherapy, your “new normal” may take time to understand. Open communication with your healthcare team helps you sort out what’s expected versus what needs attention.
Understanding CA-125 and monitoring
For many patients, the CA-125 blood test is part of ongoing monitoring. This marker can provide helpful clues but it’s not the full picture.
Dr. Karlan explains, “ CA-125 can be for many ovarian cancer patients, a good barometer. Is it going up or is it going down? But it’s not a one-on-one correlation of how much disease you have at any given time.”
She shares that instead of focusing on a single number, your care team will look at trends over time. Small fluctuations, like a slight increase, don’t always mean the cancer has returned. Context matters.
Why ovarian cancer can come back
According to Dr. Karlan, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, which can make recurrence more common. Even after successful surgery and chemotherapy, “if there’s one or two cells hanging around, over time that cell can grow back to be a tumor,” Dr. Karlan says.
While this can feel discouraging, it’s important to understand that recurrence is not a failure, it’s part of how this disease behaves. And importantly, there are many ways to treat it.
You have options if ovarian cancer returns
The landscape of ovarian cancer treatment has expanded significantly in recent years.
Dr. Karlan reassures patients, “We have such a long runway of different treatments. There will be something else.”
Treatment for recurrence may include:
- Different chemotherapy options
- Targeted therapies
- Maintenance treatments
- Clinical trials
Some patients receive multiple lines of treatment over time. Dr. Karlan shares, “I’ve had patients have 10 different treatments… they’re alive over a decade, and they are living with their ovarian cancer.”
Making treatment decisions together
Choosing the next step after recurrence is highly personal. It’s not just about what works—it’s about what works for you.
Important factors to consider include:
- Side effects you’ve experienced before (like neuropathy or hair loss)
- Your current quality of life
- What trade-offs you feel comfortable making
Dr. Karlan highlights the importance of these conversations: “What toxicities are you still willing to accept?”
This shared decision-making process helps ensure your treatment plan aligns with your priorities and goals.
Living fully while staying vigilant
Monitoring for recurrence doesn’t mean putting your life on hold. Dr. Karlan encourages patients to do the opposite “Live your life to its fullest… make the most of every day, live with joy and purpose if you can,” she advises.
With ongoing advances in treatment and a strong partnership with your care team, there are many paths forward—even in the face of recurrence.
Get more insights on ovarian cancer from Dr. Karlan and watch the full webinar discussion.
