News & Blog

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.

Ameena: I often feel like a ticking time bomb

Ameena had long suspected that the many cases of cancer in her family, including her own, were linked to a hereditary cause. Here she tells her story of uncovering her family's inherited risk.

Behind the headlines: two in one c-section & ovary removal

In early November 2023, several media outlets shared an interesting case report: Several women with a high inherited risk of cancer had opted to have their ovaries removed at the same time as having a caesarean section when having their baby.

Here we look behind the headlines to learn what this procedure is, and who it might be suitable for.

Chrissie: “All I want now is another Christmas with my family and friends”

Chrissie tells us about her ovarian cancer story; from the initial symptoms and getting a diagnosis, to being a mother whilst living with cancer. Chrissie's remarkable story ends with one wish: more cherished moments with loved ones.

Linsey: “My wonderful Mum could still be alive today - if only the GP had done two simple things”

Linsey tells us the story of her mother, Anne who was diagnosed with Stage 4c ovarian cancer in 2011, after switching to a private GP. Here, she tells us of her mum's struggle with getting a diagnosis, treatment and what she wants all women to do if they suspect they're experiencing ovarian cancer symptoms.

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.

Ovarian Cancer Action on AARC: An exciting time for Ovarian Cancer Research

Our grants and impacts manager, Faye travelled to Boston for the AACR conference on Ovarian Cancer. She talks through key speakers, event highlights and the update from the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre.

New NICE guideline released- Have your voice heard!

NICE have released new guidelines on ‘Ovarian cancer: identifying and managing familial and genetic risk’. The consultation period for the guidelines is open and we want you - our community - to have your voice heard and feedback.

Nola: I ignored my symptoms, but a research trial discovered I had ovarian cancer

Nola shares her story to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and ovarian cancer research trials. Before Nola was diagnosed, she experienced many symptoms but didn’t realise they were associated with ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 3c serous cancer in May 2022.

What keeps our researchers motivated?

What keeps our researchers motivated? We asked our ovarian cancer specialists what helps them through the tough moments and keeps them motivated to keep going.

Laura: My symptoms returned - I put them to the back of my mind

Laura spoke to us in 2019 about her ovarian cancer diagnosis a few years prior to help us raise awareness of the symptoms to look out for. Recently, Laura found herself noticing ovarian cancer symptoms again, here she talks about her ovarian recurrence.

Isle of Man Anti Cancer Charity - Supporting local communities

The Isle of Man Anti Cancer Charity has been a long-time contributor to Ovarian Cancer Action. Statistically, 7 Island residents will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. Here they tell us why the charity was founded, the mission and how they're helping residents in their local communities.

Rose: I wish I pushed for answers

Rose talks through her ovarian cancer experience - including the ovarian cancer symptoms she experiences, the delays in her diagnosis and not being taken seriously when her cysts were discovered.

New Research Brings Us One Step Closer to Personalised Ovarian Cancer Treatments

Ovarian Cancer Action funded BriTROC researchers have made two major new ovarian cancer discoveries, published recently in Nature Communications, that will bring us closer to more women surviving ovarian cancer. Professor Iain McNeish and his team at the Ovarian Cancer Research Centre at Imperial College London have found that genetic mutations are not causing cancer to recur in patients between diagnosis and relapse, and have identified 2 tumour markers that predict early relapse from chemotherapy.

Alex: Not getting involved with Ovarian Cancer Action was not an option

After witnessing what his wife, Vicky, went through, Alex knew that not getting involved with Ovarian Cancer Action wasn't an option. He decided to raise £75,000 in her name and continues to raise money towards changing the outcome for the next generation. 

Liz: “I lost my daughter to ovarian cancer - she died within a year of her diagnosis"

Louise’s Mum, Liz, shares her daughter’s story. She talks about the symptoms she experienced and highlights the injustice her loved one faced.

British Gynaecological Cancer Society 2023 | Updates from our Head of Policy and Research

Every year the British Gynaecological Cancer Society [BGCS] hold their annual meeting to share updates in Gynaecological cancer across the UK. Our Head of Research and Policy, Marie-Claire Platt, travelled up to Aberdeen to share the first results of our IMPROVE UK programme, meet old connections and new, and learn what is new in ovarian cancer treatment.

IMPROVE UK results announced at BGCS Conference 2023

Today the results of the first pilots in the IMPROVE UK programme have been presented at the British Gynaecological Cancer Society annual conference in Aberdeen, Scotland. 

Our researchers discover that relying on a single biopsy from a single location may not lead to the most effective treatment

Professor Christina Fotopoulou and Dr Paula Cunnea of our Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre (pictured above) have discovered that there is a lot of variation in a specific genetic marker that doctors usually use to help decide on the best maintenance treatment for ovarian cancer patients. This discovery suggests that relying on a single biopsy from a single location may not adequately represent the entire spectrum of a patient's tumour profile, potentially leading to suboptimal treatment decisions. 

Emma: ‘I was diagnosed with endometriosis, then discovered I had ovarian cancer’

Emma, now aged 42, found out that she had a cyst on her ovary at a routine ultrasound in 2022, during her treatment for endometriosis. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer one year later, after a cyst grew rapidly on her other ovary.

Emma shares her journey to diagnosis, how she has managed to retain a positive outlook during her treatment, and her advice for other women with ovarian cancer.