How to Find a Gynecologic Oncologist When You Have Ovarian Cancer

Learning how to find a gynecologic oncologist is one of the most critical steps you’ll take after an ovarian cancer diagnosis. It’s about connecting with a specialist who can significantly impact your treatment outcomes and improve your chances of survival.

Why a Gynecologic Oncologist Matters

A gynecologic oncologist brings specialized expertise that general oncologists, OB-GYNs, or general surgeons don’t have. They’ve dedicated 3 to 4 additional years to training specifically in cancers of the female reproductive system, making them uniquely qualified to treat ovarian cancer.

The impact on patient care is significant:

• Gynecologic oncologists perform comprehensive lymph node dissection 60% of the time for early-stage disease, compared to just 16% for general surgeons
• They can handle both surgical procedures and manage chemotherapy for ovarian cancer
• They maintain current knowledge of the latest protocols specifically for ovarian cancer

Yet only 8% of U.S. counties have a local gynecologic oncologist. This scarcity makes finding the right specialist both more challenging and more crucial.

That’s why we at Not These Ovaries are developing a comprehensive gynecologic oncologist directory to bridge this gap and connect patients with the specialized care they need.

Steps to Find a Gynecologic Oncologist

Finding the right gynecologic oncologist can make all the difference in your treatment journey. Below are multiple approaches to help you connect with the care you need.

Use the Not These Ovaries Doctor Directory

We’re building the most comprehensive resource for patients and caregivers seeking specialized ovarian cancer care. Our directory of ovarian cancer doctors will include:

• Approximately 2,000 gynecologic oncologists nationwide
• Detailed profiles with photos and biographical information
• Educational background information
• Office locations with maps
• Information such as Insurance plans accepted and hospital affiliations
• Direct contact information

While we’re working to finalize this resource, here are other effective ways to find the right specialist:

Start With Your Network

The people who already care for your health can be valuable resources:

• If your workup indicates you might need a gynecologic oncologist, your primary care doctor or OB-GYN should provide a referral. In fact, most gynecologic oncologists require a referral before scheduling an appointment. Ask directly, “Who would you recommend if this were your family member?”
• If you identify a specific gynecologic oncologist you’d like to see (through any method below), go back to the doctor who detected your mass or cancer indicators and request a specific referral. Be prepared with the doctor’s name, phone number, and clinic location to make the referral process smoother.
• Connect with others who have faced ovarian cancer for honest insights about their specialists. Personal experiences can reveal details about bedside manner and communication style that credentials alone won’t show.
• Join ovarian cancer support groups (online or in-person) where members freely share recommendations and experiences with specific doctors. These firsthand accounts often provide the most candid assessment of care quality.

Use Online Resources and Directories

Several online resources can help in your search:

• The Society of Gynecologic Oncology and Foundation for Women’s Cancer offer a “Seek a Specialist” tool
• Major cancer centers often feature specialist listings with detailed profiles
• Hospital websites frequently have physician directories that allow you to filter by specialty.

Check Credentials

When evaluating potential oncologists, look for:

• Board certification specifically in gynecologic oncology
• Experience treating your specific type of ovarian cancer (low-grade serous ovarian cancer, high-grade serous, borderline ovarian tumors, etc.)
• Affiliation with major cancer centers or hospitals known for excellence in ovarian cancer care
• Published research in ovarian cancer (suggesting they stay current with the latest treatments)

Questions to Ask the Gynecologic Oncologist

Your initial consultation is an opportunity to determine if the doctor is right for you. Come prepared with questions:

About Their Experience

• “How many ovarian cancer patients do you treat annually?”
• “What percentage of your practice is dedicated to ovarian cancer?”
• “How many surgeries like mine have you performed in the past year?”
• “What are the outcomes for patients with my type of cancer under your care?”
• “Do you have experience with my specific subtype of ovarian cancer?” (Especially important for rare types like low-grade serous or borderline tumors)

About Your Treatment

• “What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment options?”
• “Will I need surgery? If so, what kind?”
• “Who will be managing each aspect of my treatment? Will you personally oversee my chemotherapy, or will I be referred to a medical oncologist or other specialists?”
• “What’s your approach to chemotherapy for my type of cancer?”
• “Are there clinical trials I should consider?”
• “What side effects should I expect from the recommended treatments?”
• “If radiation becomes necessary, how will that referral process work, and will you continue to coordinate my overall care?”

About Logistics

• “Which hospitals do you operate in?”
• “Will you personally perform my surgery?”
• “How frequently will I need appointments during treatment?”
• “Who covers for you when you’re unavailable?”
• “When can treatment begin?”
• “If I need time to get a second opinion or think about my options, how might that affect my prognosis? Is my cancer type slow-growing enough that taking a few weeks won’t impact outcomes, or is immediate treatment necessary?”
• “What’s the typical timeline between diagnosis and starting treatment for someone with my type and stage of cancer?”

Be direct with your questions. The quality of your care depends on finding someone with the right expertise.

Finding a Gynecologic Oncologist: Trust Your Instincts

Beyond credentials and experience, your comfort level with the doctor matters. You’ll be working closely with this specialist through a challenging time. 

Notice how they explain complex information and whether they give you adequate time during appointments. Pay attention to how they address your concerns and if they see you as a whole person, not just a medical case. If something doesn’t feel right, consider that a signal to explore other options.

The Benefits of Cancer Centers with Gynecologic Oncology Teams

Specialized cancer centers often provide comprehensive care with teams dedicated to gynecologic cancers. These centers typically offer:

• Collaborative care from multiple specialists
• Advanced treatment technologies
• Access to clinical trials
• Dedicated infusion centers specifically designed for cancer patients, with staff experienced in managing gynecologic cancer treatments and side effects
• More attentive and personalized care during chemotherapy infusions, with nurses who understand the unique needs of ovarian cancer patients
• Comprehensive support services (nutritional counseling, psychological support, palliative care)
• Better outcomes for complex cases

Research shows that patients treated at high-volume centers with experienced gynecologic oncologists have better survival rates. Leading centers include:

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York
• MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
• Mayo Clinic (multiple locations)
• Johns Hopkins Ovarian Cancer Center of Excellence

While traveling to these centers may be necessary, many offer assistance programs. Our upcoming directory at Not These Ovaries will help identify specialists who serve multiple locations through satellite clinics, making specialized care more accessible.

When to Seek a Second Opinion

Getting a second opinion is strongly recommended for all ovarian cancer diagnoses, especially for rare subtypes like low-grade serous or borderline tumors. Having consensus between multiple gynecologic oncologists is invaluable when facing treatment decisions for a rare and complex disease.

Seeking a second opinion is particularly important if:

• Your concerns aren’t being adequately addressed
• You’re diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer
• The recommended treatment seems unusually aggressive or experimental
• You’re uncertain about the treatment plan
• Your intuition suggests something isn’t right

Even if it means traveling or dealing with insurance hurdles, the peace of mind and potential treatment insights are worth the effort. Most gynecologic oncologists not only expect patients to seek second opinions but actively encourage it as best practice. 

If your doctor seems uncomfortable or dismissive about you getting another perspective, consider that a serious red flag — this is not someone you want managing your care.

Financial Considerations

Finding the right gynecologic oncologist often involves navigating insurance considerations. Verify whether potential doctors participate in your insurance network. 

For out-of-network specialists, explore options like single-case agreements (where your insurance covers an out-of-network doctor at in-network rates), payment plans, or patient assistance programs. 

The Importance of Specialized Care

Finding a gynecologic oncologist is a crucial decision after an ovarian cancer diagnosis. It directly impacts your treatment outcomes and chances of survival.

It’s important to know that you can seek care from a gynecologic oncologist at ANY point in your cancer journey — not just at initial diagnosis. In fact, gynecologic oncologists are often the specialists who make the definitive diagnosis in the first place. Many patients are referred with suspicious symptoms or masses before anyone knows for sure that it’s ovarian cancer.

If you started treatment with a general oncologist or surgeon because that’s what was available in your area, it’s never too late to transition to specialized care. We’ve seen too many heartbreaking cases where patients from rural areas received suboptimal care —like multiple rounds of chemotherapy without proper surgical debulking — simply because they didn’t have access to a specialist and believed it was too late to seek one out.

Don’t fall into this trap. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer, midway through treatment, or dealing with a recurrence, connecting with a gynecologic oncologist can change your trajectory. Rural patients especially should know that traveling for specialized consultation, even just once, can dramatically improve your treatment plan.

The evidence is clear: women with ovarian cancer treated by gynecologic oncologists have better outcomes.

Taking time to find the right gynecologic oncologist, even if it requires travel or seeking referrals, is an investment in your health and future. Remember: Your health deserves the best care available. A gynecologic oncologist with the right expertise can make a significant difference in your cancer journey.