Living with LGSOC
Low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) is a rare ovarian cancer, making up about 5% of all ovarian cancer diagnoses. Worldwide an estimated 60,000 to 200,000 people are living with the disease. Because it is rare, it can be hard to find resources specific to LGSOC. Many of us hadn’t heard of low-grade before our diagnoses.
Learn more about LGSOC from our partner organization Cure Our Ovarian Cancer.
Learn more about LGSOC from our partner organization Cure Our Ovarian Cancer.
Newly Diagnosed
Before Starting Treatment
Check whether your doctor has experience with LGSOC. If not, see if there is a doctor in your area who does or ask your current doctor to arrange a consultation with an LGSOC expert.
Talk about genetic testing. Ask an ovarian cancer specialist whether genetic testing is right for you. Genetic testing can help identify treatment options.
Learn more about treatment options at letstalkaboutlgsoc.com.
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) has resources that apply generally to most ovarian cancers, including what to do when you are first diagnosed.
Talk about genetic testing. Ask an ovarian cancer specialist whether genetic testing is right for you. Genetic testing can help identify treatment options.
Learn more about treatment options at letstalkaboutlgsoc.com.
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) has resources that apply generally to most ovarian cancers, including what to do when you are first diagnosed.
Recurrence
A recurrence is when your cancer comes back after initial treatment.
Unfortunately, low-grade serous ovarian cancer has a high rate of recurrence. About half of people diagnosed with LGSOC will experience a recurrence at some point. It is most likely to happen within the first five years after diagnosis, but it is still possible after five years.
There are several different treatment options for a recurrence:
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance has more information about the treatments available if your cancer comes back, and STAAR is actively funding research into effective treatments.
There are several different treatment options for a recurrence:
- Clinical trials - Cure Our Ovarian Cancer has resources for finding clinical trials
- Chemotherapy
- Additional surgery
- Targeted therapy
- Hormone therapy
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance has more information about the treatments available if your cancer comes back, and STAAR is actively funding research into effective treatments.
Understanding Clinical Trials
Research funded by STAAR can lead to clinical trials to improve treatment options for low-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Anyone diagnosed with LGSOC may be eligible for clinical trials at any stage of treatment—you don’t have to have exhausted other options. Clinical trials are safe and well-regulated and are essential to advancing life-saving research for LGSOC. Learn about current clinical trials on Cure Our Ovarian Cancer’s website. |
Support Groups
Whether you have ovarian cancer, know someone who does, or work in the field, there is a support group for people like you. Visit Cure Our Ovarian Cancer’s website for a full list of support groups.