News & Blog
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Emma - A year in the life of a 23-year-old woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer
Emma Colledge is a 23 years old prison officer and instructor with the army cadets. Active and aware, with her whole life ahead of her. But in February 2022, she noticed she was bloated. And it started off a year that would change her life forever.
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Beth Mead becomes Ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Action
We're delighted to welcome England Lioness and Arsenal star, Beth Mead as an ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Action.
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‘Loyalty card could help spot ovarian cancer symptoms earlier’
You may have read news about an exciting research project coming out of our Research Centre. Here’s the background on how the study was developed and how important our Research Network was at influencing the research.
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Christine – ‘I gave myself about six months’
Christine was all set to get married in June 2022. But the previous six months had been marred by weight loss, difficulty swallowing, sickness and urinary problems. And then two weeks before her wedding day, she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer aged 61. This is her story.
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Lottie – ‘My symptoms were put down to being poorly when pregnant’
On the 4th January 2022, Lottie gave birth to a baby boy born at 29 weeks gestation. His premature birth was put down to her having multiple infections. Lottie had become unwell in pregnancy firstly with a kidney infection. She then discovered this was only the start.
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Phoebe Usher: "I’m so grateful for all of the previous research"
Your funds are the future. Read Phoebe's story to find out why she's taking part in the Walk in Her Name 100km challenge.
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Emma: "Never in my life did I think it would be me, especially not at 20"
It all started earlier in the year when I developed symptoms like having to get up to wee a lot during the night, feeling sick all the time and losing my appetite. The doctors and I both put it down to IBS, never in my life did I think it would be cancer.
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Showing the reality of ovarian cancer with a new campaign
Did you know only 44% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive beyond five years? The odds are against women and we need you to take action.
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Nicola Butler: "I didn't want to worry them so I kept the chance it could be cancer to myself"
Nicola was 46 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 1c epithelial germ ovarian cancer. In January 2023, it's five years since her treatment ended and her final appointment with her consultant (before she moves under the care of her GP with annual blood tests). Here she reflects on the importance of listening to your body.
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Debbie - 'I can't wait to hug Mum at the finish line'
'I can't wait to hug Mum at the finish line'
Be inspired by Debbie's story of tackling the Great North Run and find your challenge.
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What has happened with our research this year?
Your support funds vital ovarian cancer research. Learn all about the incredible work that our scientists have been working on in 2022 to help prevent ovarian cancer, diagnose it early and develop effective, personalised treatments.
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Kirsty: “My wish for the future, is that together we can make ovarian cancer a disease every woman survives.”
Kirsty Chisholm was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer at just 29 years old. At the time, she and her husband were newly married and couldn’t wait to start their family. But they soon realised it wasn’t going to be that simple.
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New research: ovarian cancer monitoring in women with faulty BRCA genes results in earlier diagnosis for those deferring preventive surgery
New research has found that regularly monitoring women with faulty BRCA genes, results in earlier diagnosis in those who want to delay preventive surgery and could save the NHS thousands in treatment costs.
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Dear Janey Godley,
We can’t imagine what the last year must have been like. You’ve courageously shared so much about your diagnosis, coping with treatment, and the emotional side effects – the good and the bad, your hopes and your fears.
So, through all that and everything you’ve gone through, there’s one thing we want to make sure you know on this fateful anniversary.
Thank you.
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Hannah's story - from a dad to a daughter
"While Hannah might not be here physically anymore, I’m still so proud to be her dad and that responsibility to her won’t ever stop."
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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 'one of the lucky ones'
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Helen Hogg: "I was continually told that it was just the menopause"
Helen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, aged 47. She's now a proud grandmother and in her words 'I know how lucky I am to still be here'. This is her story.
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Doris: Why ovarian cancer research is so important:
Doris’ ovarian cancer diagnosis came as a huge shock, as despite her medical background, she was unaware of the disease. Now she’s sharing her story to help spread awareness of ovarian cancer in the hope that a focus on research will help more women survive the disease.
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Danielle Golding: From cancer at 23 to a family of three
When Danielle was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 23 it was the end of months go going back and forth to the hospital. Upon discovery that she had tumours on both her ovaries and required immediate surgery, her thoughts of the future, and having a family felt distant. This is her story.
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Tackling ovarian cancer inequalities – an update from our IMPROVE UK programme
Earlier this year, we began our landmark IMPROVE UK programme to address inequalities of care across the UK for women with ovarian cancer. Our Head of Policy and Research, Marie-Claire Platt reflects on the progress and challenges we’ve encountered so far.