Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the ovaries. The ovaries, located on either side of the uterus, or womb, produce eggs for reproduction along with the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Ovarian cancer may develop in one or both ovaries. Cancerous growths may occur in any of the three different parts of the ovary. Ovarian cancer is hard to detect and often is not found until it has spread to the pelvis and abdomen, making it difficult to treat. While it is not a common cancer, it causes more deaths than other cancers of the female reproductive system.

Why UAB

With the UAB Medicine Ovarian Cancer Program, you receive care in the most advanced facilities from board-certified gynecologic oncologists trained in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Our experts design customized treatment plans for each patient’s individual needs and use the latest technology to screen for and treat all types of women’s reproductive cancers.

Mindful of the stress that comes with a potential cancer diagnosis, we are committed to rapid evaluation of suspected gynecologic malignancies. We pledge to see you within 72 hours of being called and commit to implementing a surgical and treatment plan within a week after that initial visit.

Your physicians at UAB Medicine are national and international leaders in gynecologic cancer and treat more gynecologic cancer patients in Alabama than any other group. Our modern clinical facilities include an embedded chemo-infusion unit. You will have access to the full range of the latest minimally invasive and open surgical techniques, including robotic surgery and complex radical surgery.

UAB Medicine is nationally renowned for our care of patients with women’s cancers. We have been recognized as one of the leading gynecologic oncology research divisions in the world and were one of five institutions to be awarded a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in ovarian cancer by the NIH. We currently partner with Johns Hopkins University in a cervical cancer SPORE. We are dedicated to improving treatments and ultimately finding a cure for these cancers.

Our physicians have access to a large portfolio of clinical trials, which gives many patients the opportunity to receive pioneering treatments not available at other medical centers. Through our Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Program for Women's Cancer, we also offer comprehensive risk assessments and prevention strategies for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer, arming women with knowledge to make informed decisions about their cancer risk and care.

Images and Videos

Welcome to the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB

UAB's Women and Infants Center combines cutting-edge technology with the comforts of home.

UAB Medicine's Dr. Warner Huh explains the use of robotic-assisted surgery in treating gynecologic cancers in women.

The UAB Women and Infants Center

Warner Huh, MD discusses using robot-assisted surgery to perform hysterectomy.

PHYSICIANS

Rebecca C. Arend, MD

Kerri S. Bevis, MD

Michael J. Birrer, MD, PhD

Omer L. Burnett, MD

Bethany Fees, CRNP

John B. Fiveash, MD

Samantha Harris, CRNP

Warner K. Huh, MD

Kenneth Hyun-Chung Kim, MD

Robert Kim, MD

Charles A. Leath III, MD

Margaret Liang, MD

Kathryn Lyle, CRNP

Sharon A. Spencer, MD

J. Michael Straughn Jr., MD

RELATED SERVICES

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials