Your ovarian cancer stories

Explore real ovarian cancer stories from women living with ovarian cancer, friends, family and those we have lost.

Charley's story

Charley: There is no correct way to deal with carrying a BRCA gene fault

After losing her mum to ovarian cancer, Charley found out she had inherited a faulty BRCA gene and had a preventative double mastectomy to reduce her breast cancer risk. She shares her story so far, including the journey to having her little boy using a process called pre-implantation genetic testing.
Jordan's story

Jordan: Along with the worry of my own health, I worry about passing a gene fault on to my girls.

Jordan talks us through his family's experience with the BRCA gene fault, and highlights how vital this knowledge is – not only for his own health but for future generations as well.
Shannon's story

Shannon: “I fell pregnant and nearly turned my back on ovarian cancer treatment - I was terrified my baby would die”

Shannon had to undergo gruelling treatment for ovarian cancer while pregnant with her son, Hunter.She was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease, and almost…
Lindsey's story

Lindsey: "The knowledge of my BRCA2 gene mutation is a gift; it could save my life"

Despite having no known family history of cancer, Lindsey decided to take part in the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme as one of her grandparents was Jewish. She was shocked when she found out she does indeed carry a faulty BRCA gene. She tells us her story here.
Sharon's Story

Sharon:"My GP was convinced I was pregnant – anything else would be far scarier."

Sharon was a nurse and midwife. She was shocked when she found out she had ovarian cancer at age 40. She knew about the disease because her Aunt had died from ovarian cancer, but she never thought it would happen to her.
Jess' Story

Jess: "Each milestone is a reminder of a time when I thought I wouldn’t see the next one. But then I did."

Jess was diagnosed with stage 1c ovarian cancer aged 26. This year marks 5 years since her diagnosis. On this milestone, Jess reflects on her fertility, her fears and how she's feeling now.
Nick's Story

Nick: "The hope is for a future where Ovarian Cancer will be a survivable disease."

Nick, alongside his rescued English Setter Louis, is taking on the challenge of a lifetime. The pair will walk the incredible 3,048 miles of English coastline to raise money in memory of Nick’s late wife, Lisa.
Harriet' story

Harriet: "‘I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer just weeks after I’d had a baby

Mum-of-three Harriet was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in 2022. Harriet was told that she had two ovarian cysts during a routine pregnancy ultrasound. But shockingly, she did not …
Sophie's story

Sophie: “I was told I had a harmless cyst - then I was diagnosed with a rare cancerous tumour”

Sophie tells her ovarian cancer story. How she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and planning for the future.
Jordan's story

Jordan Gregory: "It has meant such sadness with the loss of my mum, however, it has given me a drive to live my life to the full"

Since losing his mum, Jordan has been on a mission to raise awareness of BRCA mutations and the fact that men are affected by this too.
Laura's story

Laura shares her story: Ovarian Cancer Action's BBC Lifeline Appeal

Meet Laura, a primary school teacher from North London who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after she was originally misdiagnosed with IBS. Now she shares her story as part of …
Rosie's story

Rosie: "My family has benefited from major discoveries in the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary cancers that were years in the making."

This is Rosie, a 70-year-old retired pharmacist from Hertfordshire, who unknowingly inherited the BRCA1 gene mutation from her mum. Rosie will be shared her story as part of Ovarian Cancer …
Tina's story

Tina Wright: "Cancer doesn't need to be a death sentence"

Tina's ovarian cancer recently returned having been diagnosed 9 years ago. She urges women not to be scared of seeking the information or help they need.
Liz Driver

Liz Driver: "The thing that upsets me the most is the general lack of interest in boys having the gene mutation."

Liz, a 48 year old married mum of two wonderful young men describes her experience of finding out she carries a BRCA2 gene mutation.
Tracey's story

Tracey: A quick blood test to find out your BRCA status could save your life

Tracey tells us about her genetic testing experience. After finding out she was BRCA positive, she had risk-reducing oophorectomy. During the surgery they discovered she already has ovarian cancer.
Natalie's story

Natalie Pearce: "Being aware of the faulty BRCA gene has helped my family"

"This photo still stops my heart. I remember how scared I was and how I was trying to put on a brave smile." Natalie was diagnosed with Stage 3c ovarian …
Julie's story

Rare gene mutations - Julie's genetic testing journey

After undergoing genetic testing, Julie discovered that she had a rare genetic mutation called RAD51D, which is linked to both breast and ovarian cancer. Equipped with this knowledge, Julie shares …
Marilyn's story

Marilyn: ‘I was scared, so I buried my head in the sand and ignored my symptoms’

Marilyn was diagnosed with a rare form of high grade ovarian cancer in early 2022. Here she highlights why she was reluctant to visit the GP, and why it’s vital …
Marion's story

Marion Bines: "Being told I had ovarian cancer was so surreal"

Marion Bines, was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer in November 2017 at the age of 52. She told us about her ovarian cancer story and how she considers herself …
Talya's story

Talya: “Genetic testing has allowed me to take control of something I’d previously had no control over."

People of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage are ten times more likely to carry a BRCA gene mutation that heightens a person’s risk of ovarian cancer. Talya shares her story in the hope that more Jewish families can stay together, for longer.

Share your story

We know the facts, we know the numbers and the symptoms of ovarian cancer; we also know that sometimes they can be scary and overwhelming.

That's why when an individual shares their story it can transform another person's life. Your life stories, can help other women and families in so many ways.

Share your story