Ovarian Cancer Books: A Reading List for Patients, Families, and Caregivers
June 17, 2024
Receiving an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, not only for the patient but also for their loved ones. During this challenging time, education and support are crucial.
At Not These Ovaries, we understand the importance of empowering patients and their families with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate their cancer journey. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of ovarian cancer books, covering everything from survivor stories and patient guides to books for caregivers and lifestyle advice.
- Survivor Stories and Patient Journeys
- Books for Women Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
- Books for Families, Caregivers, and Partners
- Books on Fertility and Menopause for Women with Gynecologic Cancer
- Books on Nutrition and Lifestyle
Survivor Stories and Patient Journeys
These inspiring memoirs and personal accounts offer hope, strength, and solidarity to those facing ovarian cancer.
Memoir of a Debulked Woman
Susan Gubar
In this powerful memoir, which was listed as a 2012 New York Times Book Review Notable Book, Susan Gubar shares her experience with ovarian cancer, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond, offering insights into the physical and emotional challenges of the disease.
She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 and underwent radical debulking surgery. Memoir of a Debulked Woman explores the profound pain and love Gubar experiences as she grapples with her body’s betrayal and the daunting modern medical treatments.
She finds comfort in the steadfast support of her husband, family, and friends, and seeks understanding through literature, art, and the stories of other cancer patients.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / W.W. Norton / Amazon
TOUGH: Women Who Survived Cancer
Marquina Iliev-Piselli
TOUGH: Women Who Survived Cancer is a collection of stories from women who have survived various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Working from interviews with 37 women with a variety of cancer types, Iliev-Piselli, a survivor herself, has created honest and triumphant essays that will lift readers like a conversation with good friends.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Barnes & Noble / Amazon
Knowing the B.A.S.I.I.C.S Can Save Your Life!: An Inspiring Ovarian Cancer Survivor Story
Trish Kifer
In Knowing the B.A.S.I.I.C.S Can Save Your Life!: An Inspiring Ovarian Cancer Survivor Story, author Trish Kifer shares her personal journey with ovarian cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and self-advocacy.
Drawing from her own experiences, Kifer aims to educate women about the subtle signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, which are often overlooked or misdiagnosed until the later stages of the disease.
Through her engaging and honest storytelling, Kifer challenges readers to become more attuned to their bodies and trust their intuition when something feels off. Rather than a book filled with complex medical terminology, Knowing the B.A.S.I.I.C.S offers a relatable and inspiring account of how one woman faced the challenges of cancer head-on and refused to let it defeat her. Kifer’s message is one of hope, resilience, and the power of self-knowledge in the face of life’s toughest obstacles.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Amazon
Overcoming: My Journey Through Ovarian Cancer
Ann Holbrook
Overcoming: My Journey Through Ovarian Cancer is a powerful and inspiring memoir by Ann Holbrook, chronicling her personal battle with ovarian cancer. Through her honest and heartfelt writing, Holbrook shares the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges she faced during her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
The book provides guidance and encouragement for cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones, offering practical advice and insights from Holbrook’s own experiences.
Holbrook’s faith plays a central role in her journey, and she incorporates spiritual reflections throughout the book, which resonate with readers from various faith backgrounds. Overcoming: My Journey Through Ovarian Cancer is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, comfort, and practical guidance while navigating the challenges of cancer.
Get the book on ThriftBooks / Amazon
Living in Legacy: Ovarian Cancer from Cell to Soul
Alexia Monaco
In her raw and powerful memoir, Living in Legacy, Alexia Monaco candidly shares her journey through the physical and emotional challenges of ovarian cancer.
With the intimacy of a diary, Monaco details her diagnosis, grueling treatments, and the fears that come with survivorship. As she navigates this life-altering experience, Monaco explores the duality of her identity as both a cancer victim and a resilient hero, ultimately finding herself and her path to inner peace.
Get the book on Lulu (ebook) / Amazon
Cured, My Ovarian Cancer Story (Plucky Cancer Girl Strikes Back)
Joyce Wadler
In her memoir Cured, My Ovarian Cancer Story (Plucky Cancer Girl Strikes Back), Joyce Wadler shares her journey as a two-time cancer survivor, having overcome both breast and ovarian cancer.
With her signature wit and brutal honesty, Wadler takes readers through her experiences, from the initial shock of diagnosis to the challenges of treatment and the ultimate triumph of survival. Despite the serious subject matter, Wadler manages to infuse humor into her story, making it a surprisingly engaging and even entertaining read.
Throughout the book, Wadler provides valuable information about ovarian cancer, including the importance of early detection and the potential genetic factors that may increase one’s risk. She also offers a candid look at the emotional and psychological toll of cancer, sharing her fears, obsessions, and the coping mechanisms she employed during her battle.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / AbeBooks / Amazon
MY PINK CANE AND ME: 6-Time Stage 4 Aggressive Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Survivor’s Journey
Nora Gorman
In MY PINK CANE AND ME: 6-Time Stage 4 Aggressive Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Survivor’s Journey, Nora Gorman shares her raw, emotional, and inspiring story of battling stage 4 ovarian cancer not once, but six times over the course of 11 years.
Through her honest and vivid storytelling, Gorman takes readers on a journey through her cancer diagnoses, treatments, and the impact on her life and relationships.
Gorman’s book serves as a beacon of hope for those facing cancer, as well as their loved ones, emphasizing that a stage 4 diagnosis is not always a death sentence. She highlights the importance of trusting one’s medical team, maintaining a positive outlook, and relying on the support of others.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Amazon
It’s Not About Perfect: Competing for My Country and Fighting for My Life
Shannon Miller
In her memoir, Shannon Miller, the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history, shares her inspiring journey from Olympic champion to ovarian cancer survivor.
The book chronicles Miller’s rise to the top of the gymnastics world, detailing her early love for the sport, her rigorous training, and her triumphs at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, where she won a combined seven medals.
Miller’s story extends beyond her athletic achievements, as she candidly discusses the challenges she faced after retiring from gymnastics at age 19. The memoir takes an emotional turn when Miller recounts her battle with ovarian cancer.
Drawing on the same perseverance and determination that propelled her to Olympic success, Miller fought through surgery and chemotherapy, ultimately emerging cancer-free and giving birth to a miracle baby girl.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / AbeBooks / Amazon
Books for Women Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
These informative guides and handbooks provide practical advice and support for women navigating an ovarian cancer diagnosis.
A Guide to Survivorship for Women Who Have Ovarian Cancer
Robert E. Bristow, Terri L. Cornelison, and F.J. Montz
A Guide to Survivorship for Women Who Have Ovarian Cancer, a John Hopkins Press Health book, is a comprehensive resource for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, edited by Robert E. Bristow and featuring contributions from experienced gynecologic oncologists, gynecology and oncology nurse specialists, researchers, and ovarian cancer survivors.
The book emphasizes the concepts of survivorship and self-determination, providing detailed information on diagnosis, treatment options, pain management, integrative medicine, image recovery, nutrition, and genetic testing.
It also offers candid advice, compassion, and hope to women with ovarian cancer, helping them navigate the disease’s physical and emotional challenges while focusing on quality of life and addressing their medical and social needs.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Barnes & Noble / Amazon
NCCN Guidelines for Patients Ovarian Cancer by National Comprehensive Cancer Network
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
This essential guide to ovarian cancer comes from the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network). Based on clinical treatment guidelines used by doctors and oncology professionals worldwide, it helps patients and caregivers talk with their doctors and make treatment decisions.
Insights summarize the panel discussion behind recent important updates to the guidelines, including revised guidance on alternative chemotherapy regimens for patients with advanced age and/or comorbidities, a new algorithm for recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer, and updated language regarding tumor molecular analysis applications in ovarian cancer.
Get the book on Amazon
Becoming Ovary Jones: How to Fight Cancer Without Losing Your Mind
Melanie Holscher
In Becoming Ovary Jones: How to Fight Cancer Without Losing Your Mind, author Melanie Holscher shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and how she utilized her skills as a business performance coach to develop the mental strength needed to fight the disease.
Holscher emphasizes the power of mindset in influencing outcomes and offers practical strategies to help cancer patients maintain a positive outlook throughout their battle.
The book features 25 life-prolonging lessons and “Actionable Hopes” designed to empower and inspire cancer fighters, providing them with tools to bolster their courage and reclaim their healing mentality. Holscher’s transparent and relatable writing style makes the book a source of encouragement and support for anyone facing the challenges of ovarian cancer treatment.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Barnes & Noble / Amazon
Ovarian Cancer: A Survival Guide for Patients
Dr. Bhratri Bhushan
Ovarian Cancer: A Survival Guide for Patients is a comprehensive and accessible resource for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and their loved ones.
The book covers essential topics such as epidemiology, ovarian cancer risk factors and their modifications, screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options, helping readers better understand the disease.
Presented in an interactive question-and-answer format based on the author’s daily encounters with patients and their families, the guide aims to empower patients and their loved ones with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions as part of a shared decision-making process with their medical team, without overwhelming them with complex facts and figures.
Get the book on Amazon
100 Questions and Answers About Ovarian Cancer
Don Dizon
100 Questions & Answers About Ovarian Cancer is an invaluable resource for ovarian cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.
Now in its third edition, this updated book provides authoritative and practical answers to questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, support resources, and more.
Written by a gynecologic oncologist and a gynecologic surgeon and featuring real patient commentary, this book offers essential guidance for anyone navigating the physical and emotional challenges of ovarian cancer.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Barnes & Noble / AbeBooks / Amazon
Confronting Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identify Your Risk, Understand Your Options, Change Your Destiny
Sue Friedman, Rebecca Sutphen, and Kathy Steligo
Confronting Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identify Your Risk, Understand Your Options, Change Your Destiny is a unique resource developed by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Written by three breast cancer survivors and passionate advocates, this book combines expert advice, the latest research, and personal stories to provide previvors, survivors, and their loved ones with practical guidance on navigating the complex journey of hereditary cancer. It includes information on genetic counseling and testing, preventive surgery, fertility, family planning, health insurance coverage, and genetic privacy laws.
Get the book on Barnes & Noble / AbeBooks / Amazon
Books for Families, Caregivers, and Partners
Caring for a loved one with ovarian cancer can be challenging, but these books offer guidance, support, and practical advice for families, caregivers, and partners.
We Find Joy: Cancer Messed with the Wrong Family
Charissa Bates
We Find Joy: Cancer Messed with the Wrong Family is an empowering children’s book by Charissa Bates that encourages families to find joy and create happy moments even during the challenging times of a parent or loved one’s cancer journey.
Drawing from personal experience, as Bates’ own children were 2, 5, and 7 when she was diagnosed, the book shows young readers how they can cope and make the most of each day by creating cards, playing fight songs, and being mindful of their loved one’s need for rest.
The book concludes with a “From a kid who’s been there” guide, offering ideas from Bates’ children to help other children navigate the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis in the family.
Get the book on AbeBooks / Amazon
My Wife Has Cancer: A Practical Guide to Supporting Your Wife Through Cancer
Jami Buchanan McNees
My Wife Has Cancer: A Practical Guide to Supporting Your Wife through Cancer by Jami Buchanan McNees is an essential resource for partners navigating the emotional and practical challenges of supporting their wives through cancer.
McNees offers guidance and hope, reminding husbands that they can overcome difficulties and emerge stronger together. This book serves as a beacon of light, highlighting the power of love and support during life’s most trying times.
Get the book on Amazon
What Can I Do To Help? 75 Practical Ideas for Family and Friends from Cancer’s Frontline
Deborah Hutton
What Can I Do To Help? 75 Practical Ideas for Family and Friends from Cancer’s Frontline by Deborah Hutton is an invaluable resource born from the author’s personal experience with aggressive lung cancer.
This anthology offers a collection of practical ways in which friends and family, often feeling helpless and at a loss, can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing cancer.
Hutton shares insights gained from her own journey and conversations with fellow members of the “Cancer Club,” providing readers with a wealth of ideas to support their loved ones during this challenging time.
Get the book on AbeBooks / Amazon
The Caregiver’s Companion: Caring for Your Loved One Medically, Financially and Emotionally While Caring for Yourself
Carolyn Brent
This is a comprehensive guide for caregivers navigating the complexities of caring for older loved ones in today’s world. Drawing from her 12 years of experience caring for her father, Brent provides a step-by-step process to help caregivers make informed decisions in various situations, from recognizing when more assistance is needed to managing difficult family relationships and ensuring their well-being.
This extensive resource includes personal stories, scenarios, and references to support caregivers in their challenging roles.’s guide offers a comprehensive approach to caregiving, addressing the medical, financial, and emotional aspects of supporting a loved one with cancer while also prioritizing self-care.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Barnes & Noble / AbeBooks / Amazon
The Caregiver’s Toolbox: Checklists, Forms, Resources, Mobile Apps, and Straight Talk to Help You Provide Compassionate Care
Carolyn Hartley and Peter Wong
The Caregiver’s Toolbox: Checklists, Forms, Resources, Mobile Apps, and Straight Talk to Help You Provide Compassionate Care by Carolyn Hartley and Peter Wong is an essential resource for the millions of amateur caregivers in America.
With the increasing use of technology in managing schedules, medication routines, legal and financial affairs, and the complexities of the digital healthcare world, this book serves as a guide to navigate the overwhelming process.
The authors provide valuable insights on cool apps and online tools, tips on reducing medical bills, privacy rights, and where to find free and low-cost help, aimed at relieving caregiver stress and helping them provide compassionate care to their loved ones.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Barnes & Noble / Amazon
Books on Fertility and Menopause for Women with Gynecologic Cancer
These books address the unique concerns of women facing fertility and menopause issues as a result of gynecologic cancer treatment.
Fertility Challenges and Solutions in Women with Cancer
Hatem A. Azim Jr, Isabelle Demeestere, and Fedro A. Peccatori
This book is a comprehensive guide written by global experts that explores fertility and pregnancy challenges and solutions for women undergoing or who have undergone cancer treatment. It covers topics such as pregnancy outcomes after a cancer diagnosis, the impact of cancer therapy on fertility, fertility preservation approaches, and fertility counseling.
It also addresses controversial subjects like ovarian stimulation in breast cancer patients, fertility preservation in cancer patients with BRCA mutation, and the role of GnRH analogs. The book aims to provide clinicians with the most up-to-date knowledge on the safety and feasibility of various fertility preservation methods and managing female cancer patients who wish to preserve fertility and achieve pregnancy post-treatment.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / AbeBooks / Amazon
100 Questions & Answers About Cancer and Fertility
Kutluk H. Oktay
This book provides clear, concise answers to the 100 most common questions about cancer and fertility, addressing topics such as the impact of treatment on fertility, preservation options, and emotional coping strategies.
Written by an ObGyn/reproductive medicine specialist and cancer/fertility patient advocate, with commentary from actual patients, this is an invaluable resource for anyone struggling with the medical, physical, and emotional turmoil of cancer and infertility.
Get the book on Barnes & Noble / AbeBooks / Amazon
The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts
Mary Claire Haver MD
A No. 1 New York Times bestseller, The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a comprehensive guide for women navigating the hormonal changes of menopause.
This authoritative book provides science-backed information on coping with symptoms, addressing health risks associated with estrogen decline, advocating for proper healthcare, and understanding the latest research on hormone replacement therapy.
As a pioneering women’s health advocate, Dr. Haver aims to empower women to take charge of their midlife wellness and thrive during this pivotal life stage, making The New Menopause an essential resource for present and future generations.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Barnes & Noble / AbeBooks / Amazon
Woman Cancer Sex
Anne Katz
Woman Cancer Sex (2nd edition) by Anne Katz is an essential and comprehensive resource for women living with and surviving cancer as they navigate the specific challenges related to sex and sexuality. This book, written by a leading expert in the field of cancer and sexuality, interweaves real-life stories from clinical practice with evidence-based tips and interventions for a range of physical and emotional side effects resulting from cancer and its treatment.
Each chapter focuses on the experience of a woman with a particular type of cancer and addresses various related problems, such as loss of libido, physical pain, body image issues, depression, and difficulties communicating with partners and healthcare providers. The book offers essential guidance surrounding questions about sexual health for women diagnosed with cancer and serves as a valuable resource for healthcare providers, including social workers and sex and couple therapists.
Praised by experts in the field for its clarity, practicality, and compassionate honesty, “Woman Cancer Sex” is an indispensable guide for any woman searching for a fulfilling sexual life after cancer, as well as for their partners and healthcare providers.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Barnes & Noble / AbeBooks / Amazon
Books on Nutrition and Lifestyle
These books explore the role of nutrition and lifestyle in supporting ovarian cancer treatment and recovery.
Ovarian Cancer Cookbook: The Recipes of Hope
John Aneko Kuhn
Ovarian Cancer Cookbook is a practical and personalized guide for individuals undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer.
This cookbook provides blank recipe pages and space for personal notes, allowing ovarian cancer patients to tailor recipes to their specific dietary needs and preferences. With helpful tips on nutrition and cooking during ovarian cancer treatment, this cookbook is a valuable resource for anyone facing the challenges of ovarian cancer.
Get the book on Amazon
The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery
Rebecca Katz
The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery is a revised edition of the IACP award-winning cookbook that brings 150 delicious and nutritious recipes to those seeking a revitalizing meal during cancer treatment.
The book features easy-to-prepare, nutrient-rich recipes designed to stimulate appetite and address treatment side effects. It includes a step-by-step guide to help patients prepare for all phases of treatment and a full nutritional analysis for each recipe.
The second edition includes a dozen new simple recipes for patients to prepare on their low days, a list of cancer-fighting foods easily incorporated into everyday life, updated scientific research, and a section on how friends and family can build a culinary support team.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / Barnes & Noble / AbeBooks / Amazon
Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen: The Girlfriend’s Cookbook and Guide to Using Real Food to Fight Cancer
Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott
Kicking Cancer in the Kitchen is a top-rated cookbook and the ultimate resource for women dealing with cancer or those who want to prevent it. Written by cancer survivors Annette Ramke and Kendall Scott, it shares their real-life experiences and knowledge about the healing power of food.
It includes over 100 recipes designed to support overall health and well-being, as well as manage treatment symptoms, along with personal stories of their cancer journeys. The book offers guidance on thriving before, during, and after cancer, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to prioritize their health through nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Get the book on Bookshop.org / AbeBooks / Amazon
Finding Hope and Strength in the Ovarian Cancer Community
Navigating an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be a daunting and isolating experience, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. The books on this list offer a wealth of knowledge, support, and inspiration, connecting you with a community of survivors, caregivers, and experts who understand the challenges you face.
As you explore these resources, remember to be kind to yourself and prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Seek out the support of loved ones, medical professionals, and support groups, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.
At Not These Ovaries, we are committed to supporting you on your ovarian cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Together, we can find hope, strength, and resilience in the face of this disease, one page at a time.
