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Meet our Walk In Her Name Ambassadors!
As people all over the country begin to plan their own Walk In Her Name, what better time to meet our Walk In Her Name Ambassadors. Or WINHAs (winnas) as I like to call them!
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"That Christmas was going to be her last, so every little thing took on a new meaning."
Our Cancer Prevention Officer, Jo Stanford, lost her mum to ovarian cancer in 2006. She looks back on the final Christmas they shared together and to the future, grateful that access to genetic testing means she can be there for her own children for many Christmases to come.
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"The hardest part for me was talking to my children about the BRCA mutation"
Emma Noon shares her story, from finding out she has a BRCA gene mutation to the preventative surgery that followed.
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"I’ve learnt to cherish every moment with my family"
After losing her cousin to ovarian cancer, Christina underwent genetic testing and found out that she carries the BRCA 1 gene mutation. Being BRCA+ greatly increases her risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. Empowered with this knowledge, Christina was able to take action with preventative surgeries to ensure that she is around for her children for many more Christmases to come…
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"This challenge for Ovarian Cancer Action has given me wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime"
Our Great Wall of China Trek is a fantastic charity challenge, involving a five day hike along this magnificent man-made structure. Julie tells us about her experience and why she decided to fundraise for Ovarian Cancer Action
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Stefanie: "I am determined to see this treatment as a precious gift of life"
After losing her mum to ovarian cancer in 2015 and discovering that she too is BRCA positive, Stefanie made the decision to go ahead with preventative surgery. This is what happened next.
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The Anvil: Living in fear of ovarian cancer
After losing her mum to ovarian cancer and later being diagnosed with a BRCA1 gene mutation, Abbie McAdam lived her life plagued with anxiety that her own children would also be left without a mother. Now a year post-surgery, she reflects on the decision she made and the impact it has had on her life...
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Living with Lynch Syndrome
23 years after her father's death, Suzie Lismore underwent genetic testing and discovered that both she and her brother have Lynch Syndrome; a genetic mutation that increases an individual's risk of certain types of cancer. Suzie now wishes to share her experience to raise the profile of this little-known hereditary condition and its potentially devastating consequences.
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Faster diagnosis and treatment and better patient experience
We spoke to Jo Simmons, Project Manager at the Chelsea & Westminster Oncology Clinic, about their nomination in the Cancer Nursing category. The team have been recognised for the vital work they are doing in the field of earlier diagnosis
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"We need to look after our minds too"
Ovarian cancer comes with many trials. Here Claudia talks about the psychological impact treatment had on her and why mental health needs to be taken seriously too.
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Top tips for organising a charity ball
Last month accountancy firm Raffingers held their first ever charity ball, raising an amazing £12,000 to be split between Ovarian Cancer Action and Pancreatic Cancer UK. Lauren Aston, Marketing Manager at Raffingers, tells us about the highs and lows of organising an event of this size and shares her advice for others planning a fundraising event…
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Sex & Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be wondering how it will affect your sexuality and sex life. Guest blogger Emily Gunning from Live Better with Cancer has written a guide to help women feel more confident when navigating the often-tricky territory of sex following preventative surgery or a cancer diagnosis.
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Running for a future without ovarian cancer
Everyone has their own reason behind taking part in a challenge event for Ovarian Cancer Action. As Drew reflects on his Great North Run experience, and Amanda gears up to take on the Royal Parks Half Marathon, both share their stories…
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“The plan was to do something that reflects a fraction of the loneliness and fear that terminal cancer patients must go through.”
On 3rd September, RAF man Ian Smith plunged into the cold depths of Loch Ness to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Action, swimming an incredible 22 miles to complete the length of the loch.
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"Familiarise yourselves with the symptoms and if you're in doubt whether you have any, see a doctor"
Janet Watkins, 55, was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer on March 31 this year. As she prepares for surgery, she reflects on her journey so far.
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“It was simply the most rewarding experience I’ve ever been involved in”
This year Mike Wilson took on Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, raising a fantastic £6,706 for Ovarian Cancer Action. Here he talks about the thrills (and spills) of the UK’s biggest cycling extravaganza, and how the memory of his Mum's determination kept him pedalling…
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"It has taken me nearly seven years to be able to talk more openly about it, but now I am more determined than ever to reach the £1000 mark"
This September, supporter Drew Meakin is gearing up to take on the Great North Run. Here he talks training, fundraising and what motivated him to take on this challenge for Ovarian Cancer Action...
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BRCA risk factors: Making sense of the headlines
Following a new study on risks for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, Jo Stanford, our Cancer Prevention Officer, breaks down the main findings to examine what the research means for BRCA+ women making health decisions today.
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Why do we fund medical research?
We know that ovarian cancer is deadly. That it takes the lives of too many women. And we’re on a mission to stop these women dying before their time. At the heart of this mission is the real action we’re taking. Libby van den Bosch examines how the research we fund is making a real difference to the lives of women.
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"I want to share my experience of chemotherapy and remission to help other women going through the same thing"
Last time Karen wrote for Ovarian Cancer Action she had recently finished her final chemotherapy session.