Prognosis and Duration of disabling effects

In stage 1 and 2 of the disease, recovery from disabling effects of treatment and long term survival is expected. If needs are identified due to effects of treatment, a time limited award is likely to be appropriate. The same applies to stage 3 of the disease for needs arising due to treatment. However treatment is more intensive so it is expected that enduring effects of treatment and associated needs will be more common in this group. Recurrent disease is also common and needs are likely to arise for the first time or re-occur when cancer returns. Indefinite awards may be appropriate for some in this group.

In stage 4 or recurrent disease or where treatment including chemotherapy and surgery is not possible, the woman is likely to be terminally ill. Indefinite awards will usually be appropriate.

Stage 1 and 2 disease

Five year survival from stage 1a or 1b disease is 80- 90%.

Five year survival from stage 2 disease is 60-70%.

In the rare situation where an award is appropriate during treatment of stage 1 or 2 ovarian cancer, the award should last for the duration of treatment and then be reviewed.

Stage 3 disease

Five year survival from stage 3 disease is 15-35%.

Stage 4 disease

Five year survival for stage 4 disease is 5-14%.

Metastatic and recurrent disease

This person is likely to be terminally ill although the expected survival may be longer than six months.

After treatment of ovarian cancer the disease may recur often as a growth in either the pelvis or abdominal cavity. The majority of women with ovarian cancer have late stage disease when they are diagnosed. For this reason the majority of women with ovarian cancer will have recurrent disease at some point and most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will die of the disease eventually.

Amended April 2008