6 Things to Read, Watch, and Listen to About Ovarian Cancer

Becoming Ovary Jones is a great book to pick up if you’ve recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and don’t know where to begin. Author Melanie Holscher, a stage 4 ovarian cancer survivor, uses her background as a business performance coach to provide practical tips (like bringing questions written in a notebook to your doctor appointments, and suggestions for how to handle “scanxiety,” the anxiety surrounding computed tomography and positron emission tomography scans) mixed with hopefulness and inspiration. Having been through it all herself, Holscher guides readers through the intricacies of diagnosis and treatment like a compassionate mentor leading the way.

“Becoming Ovary Jones: How to Fight Cancer Without Losing Your Mind,” by Melanie Holscher, $15.99, Amazon.com.

This helpful resource guide is organized into chapters that cover topics including basic facts about the disease, diagnosis, treatment options, symptom management, and survivorship. The authors make complex medical and scientific information easy to read and understand, and the fourth edition, published last year, includes up-to-date information about recent breakthroughs in treatment, as well as guidance about how to navigate cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors’ tone is caring and supportive, and the book can be read straight through or just referred to for relevant information as needed.

“100 Questions and Answers About Ovarian Cancer (Fourth Edition),” by Don S. Dizon MD; Vance Broach, MD; and Dorinda “Dee” Sparacio; $19.95; Amazon.com.

WATCH

At the age of 27, filmmaker Joanna Rudnick learned that she was BRCA1-positive, which put her at an increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The film follows her journey as she grapples with the medical decisions she needs to make as a result, and it doesn’t shy away from intimate details — like getting a transvaginal ultrasound, one of the recommended ovarian cancer screenings for women who carry BRCA mutations; going to oncology checkups as part of her high-risk surveillance; and having a consultation about breast reconstruction with a plastic surgeon. Rudnick also travels around the country interviewing women who have a history of cancer and genetic mutations in their family, and she addresses racial disparities and socioeconomic disadvantages in the process.

“In the Family,” from Kartemquin Films; $2.99 to stream; Vimeo.com.

You don’t typically think of the words “entertaining, “uplifting,” and “ovarian cancer” going together — but in this movie, they do. No evidence of disease, or NED, is what it’s called when you finish treatment and no cancer is found on your post-treatment computed tomography or positron emission tomography scan. It’s also the name of a rock band made up of six gynecologic oncologists who perform to raise awareness about gynecological cancers, the subject of this documentary.

The film touches on many important topics, like the special bond between oncologists and their patients, the dire need for more awareness and funding for gynecological cancers, and what it’s like to live with — and die from — recurrent ovarian cancer. But as devastating as gynecological cancers and their effects are, this documentary is ultimately a celebration of life, music, and the human spirit. Oh, and the band is still together — follow them on Instagram @nedtheband.

“No Evidence of Disease,” from Spark Media; $4.99 to stream; Vimeo.com.

LISTEN

Sips With Survivors is hosted by Vicki Campana and Randalynn Vasel, both of whom were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their thirties. They are also breast cancer “previvors” — which, for them, means that they’ve both had a prophylactic mastectomy to reduce their risk of breast cancer due to a hereditary genetic predisposition to the disease. Though they occasionally feature other types of guests, their primary focus is on sharing their perspectives and interviewing other cancer survivors. When you’re newly diagnosed with cancer, you often can’t imagine that your life will ever feel normal again — but listening to this podcast, you’re reminded, as Vasel says at the beginning and end of every episode, “You are more than cancer.”

“Sips With Survivors” podcast; listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other streaming platforms.

While Sips With Survivors provides insight into the patient and survivor experience, Cancer Connections primarily highlights experts’ perspectives on various cancer-related topics, such as recent advances in treatment for ovarian cancer, information about clinical trials, and tips about sex and intimacy after a cancer diagnosis. This podcast was created by the Clearity Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ovarian cancer; in addition to producing Cancer Connections, Clearity offers a range of programs and services, including Steps Through OC, a six-month program that provides professional counseling, resources, and more to ovarian cancer patients and survivors and their caregivers, at no cost to participants.

Clearity’s “Cancer Connections” podcast; listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other streaming platforms.