Ovarian Cancer Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ovarian cancer is a serious gynecologic cancer that affects the ovaries—two small, oval-shaped glands located deep in the pelvis. The ovaries release an egg (ovum) each month and produce female sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.

In Grand Rapids, MI, ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated by specialists at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health. Understanding symptoms, risk factors, and local resources can help women in West Michigan get timely care.

Ovarian Cancer Can Develop in One or Both Ovaries

Ovarian cancer can start in one ovary and sometimes spread to the other or to nearby organs in the pelvis and abdomen. Most ovarian cancers occur in women over age 40, and the risk increases with age.

How Common Is Ovarian Cancer?

  • Thousands of American women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
  • About 90% of ovarian cancers occur in women over age 40.
  • Risk continues to rise after menopause.

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, women may face additional challenges because early symptoms can be vague and easy to overlook—especially during busy seasons like winter, when digestive and respiratory issues are also common.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not fully understood, but several factors can increase a woman’s risk.

Family History and Genetics

You may have a higher risk of ovarian cancer if:

  • A close blood relative (mother, sister, daughter) has had ovarian cancer
  • Multiple family members have had breast, ovarian, or colon cancer
  • You have inherited a gene mutation, such as:
    • BRCA1
    • BRCA2
    • Other less common hereditary cancer genes

Around 20% of invasive ovarian cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations.

Women in Grand Rapids with a strong family history can ask their primary care provider or OB/GYN for a referral to a familial cancer specialist or genetic counselor at local centers such as Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Other Risk Factors

Additional factors that may increase the risk of ovarian cancer include:

  • Increasing age (especially after menopause)
  • Personal or family history of breast or colon cancer
  • Medical conditions such as endometriosis
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Obesity
  • Never having a full-term pregnancy
  • Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause

Factors That May Reduce Risk

Some factors are associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer, including:

  • Having had a full-term pregnancy
  • Using the oral contraceptive pill (birth control pill) for several years
  • Tubal ligation (having your “tubes tied”)

These factors do not guarantee protection, but they may modestly reduce risk.

Why Ovarian Cancer Is Hard to Detect Early

Early-stage ovarian cancer often causes no symptoms or only very mild, vague symptoms. These can be mistaken for common issues like gas, indigestion, or menstrual discomfort.

This is especially true in Grand Rapids during colder months, when people often experience changes in appetite, digestion, and activity level due to winter weather and holiday eating patterns. Because of this, it’s important not to ignore persistent or unusual symptoms.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer

Many women with early-stage ovarian cancer may not notice any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often subtle and may include:

  • Mild pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or side
  • A bloated or full feeling in the abdomen
  • Feeling full quickly when eating

Later-Stage Ovarian Cancer

As the cancer grows or spreads, symptoms may become more noticeable. Possible signs of more advanced ovarian cancer include:

  • Swollen or enlarged abdomen (from tumor growth or fluid buildup)
  • Persistent bloating or abdominal pressure
  • Urinary changes, such as:
    • Needing to urinate more often
    • Feeling an urgent need to urinate
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as:
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea or alternating patterns
  • Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
  • Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
  • Pain during sex
  • Unexplained tiredness or fatigue
  • Shortness of breath (especially if fluid builds up in the abdomen or around the lungs)
  • Severe abdominal or pelvic pain, especially if sudden or worsening

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have these symptoms most days for more than a few weeks, talk with your doctor. You can start with your primary care provider, OB/GYN, or a clinic affiliated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

There are four main types of ovarian tumors:

1. Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

  • Starts in the epithelium, the thin layer of cells covering the ovary
  • Most common type – about 9 out of 10 ovarian cancers
  • Usually occurs in women over age 50

2. Germ Cell Tumors

  • Develop from the cells inside the ovary that mature into eggs
  • Uncommon
  • More likely to affect younger women, often under age 30

3. Sex-Cord Stromal Tumors

  • Start in the cells that produce female hormones
  • Uncommon, but can occur at any age
  • Some types may produce hormones that cause irregular bleeding or other symptoms

4. Borderline Tumors (Low Malignant Potential)

  • A subtype of epithelial tumors
  • Tend to be less aggressive than other ovarian cancers
  • Often detected at an earlier stage

How Ovarian Cancer Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

There is no single test that can reliably screen for ovarian cancer in women without symptoms. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam

Your doctor will:

  • Review your symptoms and family history
  • Perform a pelvic exam to check for lumps or swelling in the lower abdomen and pelvis

2. Imaging Tests

Common imaging tests include:

  • Transvaginal ultrasound (a probe placed in the vagina to create images of the ovaries and uterus)
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • CT scan (computed tomography)
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
  • PET scan (positron emission tomography) in certain cases

These tests are available at major imaging centers and hospitals throughout Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health and Trinity Health facilities.

3. Blood Tests (Including CA-125)

A key blood test used in ovarian cancer evaluation is CA-125:

  • CA-125 is a protein that can be higher than normal in women with ovarian cancer.
  • However, CA-125 can also be elevated in other conditions, such as:
    • Menstruation
    • Endometriosis
    • Ovarian cysts
    • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • The CA-125 test is most reliable in postmenopausal women.

Important points about CA-125:

  • It is not a perfect test and not recommended as a routine screening test for women with no symptoms.
  • About half of women with early-stage ovarian cancer do not have elevated CA-125 levels.
  • It is usually used along with imaging and other tests, not by itself.

Other blood tests may be done to:

  • Check general health (kidney, liver, blood counts)
  • Monitor how well treatment is working

4. Colonoscopy (When Needed)

If your symptoms suggest a bowel problem, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to rule out colon or rectal cancer as a cause of your symptoms.

5. Surgery and Biopsy

The only definitive way to diagnose ovarian cancer is by examining tissue under a microscope. This usually happens during surgery:

  • The surgeon removes the affected ovary (or ovaries) and any suspicious tissue.
  • A pathologist examines the tissue to confirm whether it is cancer and determine the type and stage.

In many cases, diagnosis and initial treatment (removing the tumor) are done at the same time.

Waiting for Test Results

Test results may take a few days to come back. It is very natural to feel anxious or worried during this time.

Emotional Support in Grand Rapids

You might find it helpful to:

  • Talk with a close friend or family member about how you’re feeling
  • Ask your doctor or nurse about local support groups
  • Connect with:
    • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for information on community resources
    • National organizations such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) or the American Cancer Society

Many Grand Rapids hospitals also offer oncology social workers, navigators, and counselors who can support you through testing and treatment.

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer in Grand Rapids

Treatment plans are individualized based on:

  • Type and stage of cancer
  • Your age and overall health
  • Whether you wish to preserve fertility
  • Your personal preferences

In West Michigan, ovarian cancer is typically treated by a gynecologic oncologist—a specialist in cancers of the female reproductive system—at centers such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health–University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the first major treatment for ovarian cancer and is often both diagnostic and therapeutic.

Depending on the extent of the cancer, surgery may include:

  • Removal of one ovary (unilateral oophorectomy)
  • Removal of both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy)
  • Removal of the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy)
  • Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy)
  • Removal of nearby lymph nodes
  • Removal of the omentum (a fatty layer in the abdomen)
  • Sometimes removal of the appendix or part of the bowel, if cancer has spread there

If only one ovary is affected and the cancer is at an early stage, it may be possible to preserve the uterus and the other ovary so that pregnancy is still possible after treatment. This is called fertility-sparing surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medications to:

  • Shrink tumors before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy)
  • Kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery (adjuvant therapy)
  • Treat cancer that has returned (recurrent ovarian cancer)

Chemotherapy is commonly given through an IV (intravenous infusion) in cycles over several months. In Grand Rapids, chemotherapy is delivered at hospital infusion centers and outpatient cancer centers across the major health systems.

Targeted Therapy and Other Medications

Depending on your cancer type and genetic test results, your oncologist may recommend targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors, which are especially useful for women with BRCA gene mutations or certain other genetic changes.

Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy)

Radiotherapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It is used less often for ovarian cancer than for some other cancers, but may be recommended in certain situations, such as:

  • Treating small areas of cancer that have spread
  • Relieving pain or other symptoms

Palliative Care

If ovarian cancer is diagnosed at a later stage and a cure is not possible, treatment focuses on palliative care—improving quality of life by:

  • Managing pain
  • Reducing nausea and vomiting
  • Treating shortness of breath and abdominal swelling
  • Supporting emotional, spiritual, and social needs

Palliative care services are available through all major Grand Rapids health systems and can be provided at home, in the hospital, or in specialized centers.

Side Effects and Supportive Care

Treatment Side Effects

All treatments—surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation—can cause side effects. These may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hair loss (with some chemotherapy drugs)
  • Changes in appetite
  • Early menopause and related symptoms (hot flashes, vaginal dryness)
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • Increased risk of infection

Your medical team will explain possible side effects before treatment begins and will work with you to:

  • Prevent or reduce side effects when possible
  • Treat side effects promptly if they occur
  • Adjust your treatment plan if needed

Complementary and Integrative Therapies

Some people with ovarian cancer explore complementary therapies—such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation, or nutrition counseling—to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

When used alongside standard medical treatment, some complementary therapies can be helpful. However:

  • Some alternative treatments may be ineffective or harmful
  • Always discuss any herbs, supplements, or alternative therapies with your oncologist before starting them

Many cancer centers in Grand Rapids offer integrative medicine services or can refer you to qualified providers.

Research and Clinical Trials in West Michigan

Ongoing research is improving the outlook for women with ovarian cancer. Clinical trials test:

  • New medications and drug combinations
  • New ways of delivering chemotherapy or targeted therapy
  • New surgical techniques or radiation approaches

In the Grand Rapids area, clinical trials may be available through:

  • Corewell Health – Spectrum Health Cancer Centers
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Collaborations with the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center and other national research networks

Ask your gynecologic oncologist if a clinical trial is appropriate for you.

Sexuality, Intimacy, and Emotional Wellbeing

Ovarian cancer and its treatments can affect:

  • How you feel about your body
  • Your sense of identity and femininity
  • Your sexual desire and response
  • Intimacy with your partner

These changes can be very upsetting, especially for women in their reproductive years or those navigating long-term relationships.

Talking About It

Your medical team should discuss these issues with you before and during treatment, but you can also:

  • Ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor, psychologist, or sex therapist experienced in cancer care
  • Talk openly with your partner about how you’re feeling
  • Connect with support groups, either locally in Grand Rapids or online, focused on gynecologic cancers

National organizations like the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and the American Cancer Society offer information on intimacy and sexuality after cancer treatment.

Caring for Someone with Ovarian Cancer

Being a caregiver for someone with ovarian cancer can be emotionally and physically demanding. Caregivers often help with:

  • Transportation to appointments (especially in winter when Michigan roads can be challenging)
  • Medication schedules and symptom monitoring
  • Household tasks and childcare
  • Emotional support

If you are caring for someone with ovarian cancer:

  • Reach out to social workers or patient navigators at Grand Rapids hospitals for support
  • Ask about caregiver support groups and respite services
  • Take time to care for your own physical and mental health

When a Cure Isn’t Possible

If ovarian cancer has spread extensively and a cure is no longer possible, the focus of care shifts to:

  • Palliative treatment to relieve symptoms
  • Helping you live as comfortably and fully as possible
  • Supporting you and your family emotionally and spiritually

This may include:

  • Medications for pain, nausea, and breathlessness
  • Procedures to drain fluid from the abdomen
  • Counseling and spiritual care
  • Hospice services, when appropriate

In Grand Rapids, palliative and hospice care programs are available through all major hospital systems and community organizations.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are worried about ovarian cancer, have symptoms, or have been diagnosed, you can turn to:

  • Your GP / Primary Care Provider
  • OB/GYN or Gynecologic Oncologist at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for information on local cancer resources and support programs
  • National organizations such as:
    • Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)
    • American Cancer Society
    • National Cancer Institute (NCI)

If you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or trouble breathing, seek emergency care at your nearest Grand Rapids emergency department.

Key Points About Ovarian Cancer

  • The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, especially after 40 and after menopause.
  • Family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer and inherited gene mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) significantly increase risk.
  • Many women with early-stage ovarian cancer have no symptoms, or only vague symptoms like bloating or mild abdominal discomfort.
  • Symptoms of later-stage ovarian cancer can include abdominal swelling, urinary changes, bowel changes, pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
  • There are four main types of ovarian tumors: epithelial, germ cell, sex-cord stromal, and borderline tumors.
  • Diagnosis usually involves a pelvic exam, imaging tests, blood tests (including CA-125), and often surgery with tissue biopsy.
  • Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and occasionally radiation, along with palliative care when needed.
  • Early detection, access to specialized care, and participation in clinical trials are improving outcomes for women with ovarian cancer in Grand Rapids and across Michigan.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have concerns about ovarian cancer, schedule an appointment with your doctor or OB/GYN, and ask for a referral to a gynecologic oncologist if needed. Early evaluation is the best way to protect your health.