“There Are Many Options”: CancerCare Social Worker Lauren Chatalian’s Advice For Women Facing Cancer

Lauren Chatalian, an oncology social worker with CancerCare, works specifically with women who have cancer. We asked her to provide some advice for women dealing with an ovarian cancer diagnosis — and she gave some really solid recommendations about reaching out when you need it, in whichever way feels most beneficial to you. This advice can be helpful to anyone struggling with a cancer diagnosis.

Lauren also recommended that people facing a recent diagnosis, particularly an ovarian cancer diagnosis, explore their options. It’s important to see which treatment options may be available for your particular disease. Her second piece of advice was to consider fertility options. “If fertility is important to you, and that has not happened in your life yet … or you may be diagnosed younger, have that conversation with your doctor before you start treatment so that you know, again, that you have options.”