Patient Education Library
This wide range of information is given to you from Roswell Park experts and trusted organizations that specialize in this area of healthcare.
We understand the worry and confusion that comes with a diagnosis of cancer. In addition to comprehensive medical care, Roswell Park provides a comprehensive range of support services to help you cope with the physical, emotional, practical and day-to-day concerns related to your illness, treatment and lifelong wellness. We hope that our ovarian cancer patients and their families find these resources helpful.
View all of our support services
The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center
This center provides cancer information and resources for all patients and their caregivers.The center offers free wigs, scarves and hats for patients receiving chemotherapy, skincare classes, connections to support and advocacy groups and a lending library with print and video.
Sexual Health Clinic
Cancer and cancer treatment impact the ability to interact intimately in a number of ways. This clinic addresses issues such as low libido, pain with sex, anxiety, depression, body image, changes in anatomy or function of the genitals, breasts or skin, and other factors that affect sexual life.
Cancer Coach Program
The Cancer Coach Program connects Roswell Park patients with cancer survivors who know firsthand how a cancer diagnosis changes your life. Talking with someone who has lived with cancer can reduce anxiety and isolation. Cancer Coaches are trained Roswell Park volunteers who provide comfort and practical information for patients. While Cancer Coaches can provide valuable information about their own personal experiences and supportive services available at Roswell Park, they do not provide medical advice.
Support groups & networking
The Ovarian Cancer Project provides information and education to the WNY community about ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors and offers support and networking opportunities to women (and their families) with ovarian or other gynecological cancers. Programs include:
- Support groups that are professionally facilitated. For more information, contact Kathy Kurtz, LCSW Support Group Program facilitator at 716-675-0301 or email kkurtz@wnyovariancancerproject.org.
- Comfort & Hope Totes, given free to every woman newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the Roswell Park GYN Center. The totes are filled with helpful items to take to chemotherapy appointments, including a message of hope from women who have been on the journey and are extending a hand of understanding and support.
Familial ovarian cancer registry
Learning more about how ovarian cancer runs in families and which genes may be involved is important to discovering new ways to prevent, detect and treat the disease. Roswell Park founded this registry to track and store data from women nationwide to help cancer researchers identify ovarian cancer-associated genes and improve genetic and psychosocial counseling for these patients.
Women over age 18 with a family history of ovarian cancer are encouraged to join the Registry. For more information, call 1-800-OVARIAN (1-800-682-7426) weekdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST.