Ovarian Cancer Outcomes

First, ovarian cancer outcomes, including survival rates, are improving every day, thanks to new treatment options — such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy — being developed at top research centers like Winship. Second, ovarian cancer survival rates are highly individualized, so averages are often misleading.

Because every patient’s cancer is different, their outcomes will be, too. At Winship, we are a leader in gynecologic cancer treatment and research. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective ovarian cancer treatments with the fewest side effects. As a result, our outcomes — survival rates, rates of recurrence and management of long-term side effects — are better than most other cancer centers in the country.

Ovarian cancer rates at Winship are significantly better than the national average. Winship is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia, placing it among a select group of cancer centers in the country. To obtain the designation, cancer centers must meet rigorous standards that prove they provide state-of-the-art facilities, offer cutting-edge treatments, deliver breakthrough research and conduct lifesaving clinical trials.

Because NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship represent the most innovative cancer centers in the United States, it’s no surprise they also have the best survival rates. Research shows survival rates are up to 25% higher when starting treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to Winship’s commitment to surgical expertise, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials and team approaches to treatment planning.

Being an ovarian cancer survivor — particularly if you have an inherited gene mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 — means you are at greater risk for recurrence and for developing new cancers in the future. That’s why Winship is dedicated to offering long-lasting treatment and post-treatment follow-up care and surveillance. We analyze your specific ovarian cancer and the genomic components driving it to help us determine which treatment is most likely not only to improve your ovarian cancer prognosis, but also to prevent your cancer from returning.

After successful treatment, Winship has quality measures in place to verify that you are cancer-free, such as testing surrounding tissue after surgery to ensure there’s no remaining ovarian cancer. Once you’ve completed your treatment, we will continue to monitor your condition and follow you for at least five years to ensure you remain cancer-free and assist you with managing any long-term side effects of treatment.

At Winship, we will treat your cancer using the most powerful and precise treatments available with the fewest possible side effects. There still may be times when you’ll experience side effects of ovarian cancer and your treatment, in particular neuropathy and pelvic pain. Our cancer support team will work with you on symptom management so you can continue going about your daily life as best as possible.

We also understand there are a lot of complex emotions surrounding ovarian cancer for women, particularly those who are younger and wish to preserve their fertility. That’s why we have a psychiatric oncologist and counselors on staff to help you cope with the mental and emotional aspects of cancer treatment while you are under our care -- and for as long as you need us. If fertility is a concern of yours, we’ll work closely with reproductive endocrinologists at Emory Reproductive Center to preserve your ability to conceive without long delays in your cancer treatment.