Your GP will probably arrange the first tests if you have symptoms. If these tests do not rule out cancer, you will usually be referred to a specialist called a gynaecological oncologist. The gynaecological oncologist will arrange further tests, perform any recommended surgery and consider treatment options.
Often the treatment options will be discussed with other health professionals at what is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. During and after treatment, you will see a range of health professionals who specialise in different aspects of your care.
Health professionals you may see
| GP | assists you with treatment decisions and works in partnership with your specialists in providing ongoing care |
| gynaecological oncologist* | diagnoses and performs surgery for cancers of the female reproductive system, such as ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulvar and vaginal cancers |
| gynaecological pathologist* | examines tissue removed from the abdomen or ovaries under a microscope |
| medical oncologist* | treats cancer with drug therapies including chemotherapy and targeted therapy |
| radiation oncologist* | treats cancer by prescribing and overseeing a course of radiation therapy |
| radiation therapist | plans and delivers radiation therapy |
| radiologist* | reads and interprets diagnostic scans, such as x-rays and CT and PET scans |
| cancer care coordinator | coordinates your care, liaises with other members of the MDT and supports you and your family throughout treatment |
| nurse | administers drugs and provides care, information and support throughout treatment |
| physiotherapist, occupational therapist | assist with physical and practical problems, including restoring movement and mobility after treatment and recommending aids and equipment |
| exercise physiologist | prescribes exercise to help people with medical conditions improve their overall health and fitness |
| dietitian | recommends an eating plan to follow while you are in treatment and recovery |
| social worker | links you to support services and helps you with emotional, practical and financial issues |
| counsellor, clinical psychologist | help you manage your emotional response to diagnosis and treatment |
| palliative care specialists* and nurses | work closely with the GP and oncologist to help control pain and other symptoms and maintain quality of life |
| family cancer specialist*, genetic counsellor | provide advice about genetic causes of ovarian cancer; arrange genetic test results if required and interpret the results for you and your family |
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Additional resources
A/Prof Sam Saidi, Senior Staff Specialist, Gynaecological Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; A/Prof Penny Blomfield, Gynaecological Oncologist, Hobart Women’s Specialists, and Chair, Australian Society of Gynaecologic Oncologists, TAS; Dr Robyn Cheuk, Senior Radiation Oncologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Kim Hobbs, Clinical Specialist Social Worker, Gynaecological Cancer, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Sonja Kingston, Consumer; Clinical A/Prof Judy Kirk, Head, Familial Cancer Service, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW; Prof Linda Mileshkin, Medical Oncologist and Clinical Researcher, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Deb Roffe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Support Team, Ovarian Cancer Australia; Emily Stevens, Gynaecology Oncology Nurse Coordinator, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Dr Amy Vassallo, Fussell Family Foundation Research Fellow, Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW; Merran Williams, Consumer.
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