Expert Videos

Module 1: Understanding Ovarian Cancer

What is ovarian cancer?
What is ovarian cancer?
Women's health and cancer expert Nita Lee, MD, MPH, of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center explains what the ovaries are, where different types of ovarian cancer can start, and which type of ovarian cancer is most common.
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Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?
Women's health and cancer expert Sarah Taylor, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center describes factors that may put you at risk for ovarian cancer, including gene mutations and family history, whether you have been pregnant, and how weight, menopause and hormone therapy can play a role.
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What are the common symptoms of ovarian cancer?
What are the common symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Although ovarian cancer is sometimes described as a "silent disease", there are subtle symptoms that exist but often go unrecognized. Dr. Nita Lee, a cancer expert from the University of Chicago, explains what to watch for, why symptoms can be hard to notice, and when to talk to your doctor. She also discusses how to advocate for yourself in seeking an accurate diagnosis.
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What genetic changes increase your risk for ovarian cancer?
What genetic changes increase your risk for ovarian cancer?
Sarah Taylor, MD, a cancer expert from the University of Pittsburgh, describes how the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can increase the chances of ovarian cancer. She discusses the importance of knowing your family history and the benefits of genetic testing for you and other family members who may be at risk for ovarian cancer or other cancers.
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What can I do to decrease my risk of ovarian cancer?
What can I do to decrease my risk of ovarian cancer?
Women's health expert Nita Lee, MD, MPH, of the University of Chicago discusses the basic ways to lower your risk of cancer, including ovarian cancer. She also talks about some surprising things that can reduce your risk by affecting hormone levels, and explains why surgery is an option to reduce risk in some people.
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What are the stages of ovarian cancer?
What are the stages of ovarian cancer?
Women's health oncologist Sarah Taylor, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center describes the different stages of ovarian cancer, how the lymph nodes are involved, and where in the body ovarian cancer can metastasize, or spread.
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What’s the outlook for a patient with ovarian cancer?
What’s the outlook for a patient with ovarian cancer?
Cancer expert Nita Lee, MD, MPH, of the University of Chicago discusses the different outlooks for people with ovarian cancer and the importance of talking with your doctor about your own situation. She describes several factors that affect the outlook for ovarian cancer, including age, cancer type, and more.
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Module 2: Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

Why is ovarian cancer challenging to diagnose?
Why is ovarian cancer challenging to diagnose?
Women's health and cancer expert Sarah Taylor, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center discusses the challenges of early detection of ovarian cancer. She also describes where it may occur in or near the ovaries, how to identify possible symptoms, and the importance of paying attention to your body's signals.
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Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer?
Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer?
Nita Lee, MD, MPH, cancer and women's health expert from the University of Chicago, discusses the challenges of screening for ovarian cancer and why a normal Pap smear or routine blood test does not screen for the disease. She describes how CA-125 testing and ultrasound may help diagnose cancer and when they can be important.
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What are the genetic risk factors for ovarian cancer?
What are the genetic risk factors for ovarian cancer?
Sarah Taylor, MD, a University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center expert on women's health and cancer, talks about how ovarian cancer can be genetically related to other types of cancer, how your ethnic heritage may be a risk factor, and the risks for people with Lynch syndrome and the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. She also explains genetic counseling and testing.
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How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
Cancer and women's health expert Nita Lee, MD, MPH, of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, explains the importance of a pelvic examination and how blood tests, ultrasound, and CT scans are often part of diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Dr. Lee describes what tumor markers can be found with a blood test and when it becomes important to see a specialist.
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When is a biopsy performed for ovarian cancer?
When is a biopsy performed for ovarian cancer?
Cancer and women's health expert Sarah Taylor, MD, explains why taking a sample of tissue called a biopsy is important for ovarian cancer and how it is usually done. She also discusses when surgery might be the first option and how a biopsy can work with surgery.
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How is ovarian cancer staged and graded?
How is ovarian cancer staged and graded?
Nita Lee, MD, MPH, describes the difference between stage and grade in ovarian cancer. She explains the TNM staging system, how doctors translate that information into the letters and numbers in medical reports, and what "high-grade" and "low-grade" cells mean.
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Module 3: Treating and Managing Ovarian Cancer

How is ovarian cancer treated?
How is ovarian cancer treated?
Sarah Taylor, MD, an expert in women's health and cancer, describes why surgery is commonly done to treat ovarian cancer and which other treatments may be used before or after surgery. She also discusses the factors that determine treatment options, including age, general health, and type of ovarian cancer. Dr. Taylor explains maintenance therapy, palliative care, and clinical trials as part of ovarian cancer treatment.
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What types of surgery are used for ovarian cancer?
What types of surgery are used for ovarian cancer?
Nita Lee, MD, MPH, a cancer and women's health expert from the University of Chicago, talks about laparoscopic and traditional open surgery for ovarian cancer and the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes in women's health. She explains different reasons for surgery and how surgery can affect the outlook for treatment.
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How is chemotherapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
How is chemotherapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
Sarah Taylor, MD, an expert in cancer and women's health from the University of Pittsburgh, discusses when and how chemotherapy is used to treat ovarian cancer and why it can be so effective. She also discusses chemotherapy that is done during surgery and how chemotherapy can help keep cancer from returning after treatment.
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How is radiation therapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
How is radiation therapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
Women's health and cancer expert Nita Lee, MD, MPH, of the University of Chicago, explains how and when radiation therapy can help treat ovarian cancer and how working with a radiation oncologist is important. She also talks about the role of radiation therapy in reducing pain or treating ovarian cancer that comes back after treatment.
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How is targeted therapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
How is targeted therapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
Cancer and women's health expert Sarah Taylor, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh, describes how targeted therapy works for ovarian cancer, when targeted therapy may be used, and the importance of developing new targeted therapies.
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How is hormone therapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
How is hormone therapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
Nita Lee, MD, MPH, explains how hormone therapy, also called endocrine therapy, affects the hormone receptors on your cells to help fight ovarian cancer. She also explains how biopsy and surgery results can show whether hormone therapy should be a part of treatment and why hormone therapy may be easier to tolerate than traditional chemotherapy.
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How is immunotherapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
How is immunotherapy used to treat ovarian cancer?
Sarah Taylor, MD, women's health expert and cancer expert from the University of Pittsburgh, explains how immunotherapy works to treat cancer, including ovarian cancer. She also discusses the cancer "vaccine" that activates the immune system against cancer cells.
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What is maintenance treatment for ovarian cancer?
What is maintenance treatment for ovarian cancer?
Cancer and women's health expert Nita Lee, MD, MPH, talks about what maintenance therapy is, who might be offered this type of treatment, and when it is done. She describes how it can help slow the growth of ovarian cancer that comes back, and how to balance its benefits against possible side effects.
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How can I manage side effects for my ovarian cancer, and get support?
How can I manage side effects for my ovarian cancer, and get support?
Women's health and cancer expert Sarah Taylor, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh, discusses the importance of considering the whole person when treating ovarian cancer, balancing effective treatment with concern for a woman's quality of life. Dr. Taylor discusses who might be able to help during treatment and what types of support are helpful.
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Module 4: Understanding Clinical Trials in Ovarian Cancer

What is an ovarian cancer clinical trial? Why should I consider participating?
What is an ovarian cancer clinical trial? Why should I consider participating?
Ovarian cancer clinical trials are needed to develop better screening tests and treatments for ovarian cancer. Jayanthi Lea, MD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, explains the importance of clinical trial participation by healthy volunteers and patients with ovarian cancer. Better treatments are needed because ovarian cancer is often found in later stages and can be hard to treat. Dr. Lea explains how clinical trials are developed, who oversees them, and more.
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How do clinical trials work for ovarian cancer? What is the process?
How do clinical trials work for ovarian cancer? What is the process?
Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Scott Richard explains the four phases of clinical trials, from basic safety testing to comparing a new ovarian cancer treatment or drug with the standard available treatment. Dr. Richard explains the review process a trial goes through before volunteers can join, and what institutional review boards and study monitors do.
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How do I know if I'm eligible to join a clinical trial for ovarian cancer?
How do I know if I'm eligible to join a clinical trial for ovarian cancer?
Dr. Jayanthi Lea of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center explains how to ask your doctor if you qualify to join an ovarian cancer clinical trial, whether you are a patient or a healthy volunteer. She describes inclusion and exclusion criteria and discusses good places to find clinical trials and learn if you are eligible to take part, such as ClinicalTrials.gov and emergingmed.com.
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How objective and safe are clinical trials for ovarian cancer?
How objective and safe are clinical trials for ovarian cancer?
Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Scott Richard describes how clinical trials are designed to minimize risk and how you can learn about the benefits and risks before deciding to join a trial. Clinical trials must be approved by a group called an Institutional Review Board before volunteers can join. He discusses the role of a data safety monitoring board and talks about different ways that researchers, institutional review board members and others ensure the research is done objectively and watch for any side effects.
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If I take part in a clinical trial for ovarian cancer, how will my safety be protected?
If I take part in a clinical trial for ovarian cancer, how will my safety be protected?
Jayanthi Lea, MD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, discusses how clinical trial investigators work to protect patients and healthy volunteers from side effects or help them find alternative treatments. Dr. Lea describes how study monitors make sure the research is done correctly in clinical trials, and how trials can be stopped if there are problems. Dr. Lea also explains the importance of follow-up after a clinical trial, and how it helps investigators understand outcomes and any side effects. This helps protect volunteers and future patients who receive new ovarian cancer treatments.
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Module 5: Genetic Mutations and Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer

What genetic changes increase your risk for ovarian cancer?
What genetic changes increase your risk for ovarian cancer?
Sarah Taylor, MD, a cancer expert from the University of Pittsburgh, describes how the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can increase the chances of ovarian cancer. She discusses the importance of knowing your family history and the benefits of genetic testing for you and other family members who may be at risk for ovarian cancer or other cancers.
Watch now
What are the genetic risk factors for ovarian cancer?
What are the genetic risk factors for ovarian cancer?
Sarah Taylor, MD, a University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center expert on women's health and cancer, talks about how ovarian cancer can be genetically related to other types of cancer, how your ethnic heritage may be a risk factor, and the risks for people with Lynch syndrome and the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. She also explains genetic counseling and testing.
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What is biomarker testing and genetic testing in ovarian cancer? Why are they important?
What is biomarker testing and genetic testing in ovarian cancer? Why are they important?
Certain proteins and other substances are known as biomarkers because they signal the presence of cancer and reveal its type. Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Scott Richard explains how doctors test for biomarkers and genetic mutations that can signal ovarian cancer or raise the risk of developing it. Biomarker testing can reveal different types of ovarian cancer, and this can lead to more effective treatment choices. Genetic testing, including the well-known tests for BRCA1 and BRCA2, can help you understand your risk, take steps to reduce it, or help family members with the mutations reduce their risk.
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How is biomarker testing done and what biomarkers are looked at when deciding on treatment for ovarian cancer?
How is biomarker testing done and what biomarkers are looked at when deciding on treatment for ovarian cancer?
A tissue sample called a biopsy can be tested for proteins and other substances called biomarkers that indicate the presence and type of ovarian cancer. This is called biomarker testing or tumor testing. Dr. Jayathi Lea of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center explains that laboratory tests can find ovarian cancer biomarkers including CA125, HRD, bikunin, VEGF, and more. She discusses the importance of early tumor or biomarker testing, when and why it should be repeated, and how it can improve outcomes by helping doctors choose the best treatment for the type of ovarian cancer.
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Who should get genetic testing for an inherited mutation for ovarian cancer and how is it done?
Who should get genetic testing for an inherited mutation for ovarian cancer and how is it done?
Scott Richard, MD, an expert in gynecologic oncology, explains why genetic testing on blood and saliva samples is important for women with a strong family history of ovarian cancer or an ovarian cancer syndrome to understand risk and plan to reduce it. Dr. Richard discusses the importance of genetic testing for planning treatment in women with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer. Working with a genetic counselor is an important part of the testing process.
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What does a positive genetic test result mean for those without ovarian cancer? What does a negative result mean?
What does a positive genetic test result mean for those without ovarian cancer? What does a negative result mean?
Have you had genetic testing for mutations associated with ovarian cancer? Dr. Jayanthi Lea of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center explains why this testing is important if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and what it can mean to have an inherited mutation without cancer. Learn how the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations affect lifetime ovarian cancer risk and if having a mutation means you will develop cancer. Ways to reduce risk include clinical trial participation and surgery. Family members can also learn about these options. Dr. Lea also discusses an inconclusive result, or variant of uncertain significance, and when to see a cancer specialist or genetic counselor.
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How do genetic testing results impact the treatment of my ovarian cancer?
How do genetic testing results impact the treatment of my ovarian cancer?
The results of genetic testing is very important for ovarian cancer treatment. Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Scott Richard describes what PARP inhibitors are, how and when they are used to treat ovarian cancer, why they are effective and how they are used for ovarian cancer types specifically linked to genetic changes. Genetic testing can lead to more effective treatments and better outcomes for women with ovarian cancer.
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This educational activity has been developed by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition in collaboration with Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

This activity is supported by educational grants from:
Alkermes plc, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Clovis Oncology, Inc., Eisai Inc., Foundation Medicine, Inc., Genentech, a Member of the Roche Group, GSK, ImmunoGen, Inc., Merck & Co, Inc., Novartis, Novocure Inc., Pfizer, Inc.

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