Your Stories
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Your Stories
21 May 2019
Laura Gibbon: "Had I known the symptoms of ovarian cancer I might not have left it so long before going to A&E"
Laura Gibbon's life changed forever in March 2016 when she was told she had stage 3c ovarian cancer. She had been unaware that the symptoms she was experiencing were associated with the disease.
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Your Stories
15 May 2019
Rebecca Nutley: "I now have this knowledge that I can pass onto my family"
After her mother was diagnosed with cancer three times, Rebecca discovered she and her brother carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, increasing their chances of developing it too. Rebecca had a preventive double mastectomy aged 26 to reduce her risk of breast cancer and is now considering a hysterectomy to reduce her risk of developing ovarian cancer.
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Your Stories
15 April 2019
Diane Evans-Wood: "Once you accept your new kind of normal, life can resume and you can still have fun."
Diane Evans-Wood was working as a Palliative Care Nurse Specialist when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013. She shares her story — from the early symptoms through to diagnosis and treatment.
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Your Stories
27 March 2019
Fiona Munro: "I want to raise awareness that young women are also at risk of ovarian cancer"
Fiona was with diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in February 2016 at the age of 30. She has since devoted her energy to helping other young women with ovarian cancer, and has even written a book about her journey.
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Your Stories
20 March 2019
Claudia Gore: "We need to look after our minds too"
Claudia Gore, 47, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago. She shares the story of her early symptoms, her diagnosis and treatment. Claudia also describes the impact of her ovarian cancer experience on her mental health and why sessions with a psychologist helped so much.
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Your Stories
15 March 2019
Jess Brown: "Treatment needed to be aggressive and to happen quickly"
Jess Brown is 26, a mum, and an ovarian cancer survivor navigating surgical menopause. Jess feels lucky her ovarian cancer was diagnosed early and is organising a Walk In Her Name to raise money for ovarian cancer research this March.
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Your Stories
18 February 2019
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. Now a year cancer free, she reflects on the importance of listening to your body.
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Your Stories
29 January 2019
Louise Mitchell: "Cancer has taken a lot from me, but it’s left me with a totally new perspective on life"
Louise was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after a pregnancy scan detected a mass on one of her ovaries. Now two years on from her diagnosis, she has thrown herself back into fitness and is determined to find the positives in her experience.
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Your Stories
13 December 2018
Gift Hamisi: "Educate yourself on your family history and learn to listen to your body"
Five years after losing her mother to ovarian cancer, Gift was shocked to learn that her grandmother had also been diagnosed with the disease. Gift is currently awaiting the results of her BRCA test and wants to use her voice to encourage other women to understand their family history and the prevention options available to them.
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Your Stories
12 September 2018
Suzie Aries: "Now, my main focus is to make sure that every day is a good one"
Suzie Aries was diagnosed with Stage 3/4 ovarian cancer, aged 25. She shares her story and explains why research into early detection is so important.
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Your Stories
16 August 2018
Lesley Torun
Lesley was diagnosed with stage 1b ovarian cancer last year. She shares her experience so far.
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Your Stories
16 July 2018
Alan Roberts
Alan Roberts pays tribute to his beloved wife, Carys, who lost her life to ovarian cancer in March this year. A hugely talented artist, the sale of Carys's artwork has left an incredible legacy, helping to raise £25,000 for a number of cancer charities.
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Your Stories
27 June 2018
Natasha Cantor
Natasha has Lynch Syndrome, a genetic mutation which is linked to an increased risk of a number of different cancers. She tells us about her own family history, and why knowing her genetic status has allowed her to feel more in control.
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Your Stories
12 June 2018
Rachel Firmin
Rachel pushed for genetic testing after losing her mum to breast cancer and discovered that she was BRCA2+. She shares her story.
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Your Stories
20 March 2018
Rob Dawson
Rob wrote the following blog post in July last year, three days before he lost his mum, Carole, to ovarian cancer. While her loss has been devastating, Rob has tried to channel his energy into fundraising for our research projects, paying tribute to the amazing woman who always supported him and let him be himself.
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Your Stories
05 March 2018
Bev Poulton
Bev, from Porthcawl, Wales, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2009. She tells us about her diagnosis, treatment and the importance of taking one day at a time
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Your Stories
02 March 2018
Florence Wilks
Florence was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2010 and has undergone several rounds of gruelling chemotherapy and extensive surgery over the past eight years. She reflects on the moments that have been stolen from her, as well as the importance of finding joy, even in the hardest times.
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Your Stories
26 February 2018
Jo Stanford
OCA Cancer Prevention Officer Jo is our resident expert on all BRCA-related issues. She shares the pain of losing her beloved Mum to ovarian cancer and how genetic testing has enabled her to take control of her own future.
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Your Stories
01 February 2018
Darren Halmshaw
Darren lost his wife, Pamela, in October 2016 after a ten-year fight with ovarian cancer. He shares his story.
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Your Stories
23 January 2018
Katie Mumford: "I think about my risk of ovarian cancer, and the lack of screening available, every single day"
When Katie discovered she was BRCA2 positive, she knew immediately that she wanted to have preventative breast surgery to reduce her risk of breast cancer. However, the decision about when to remove her ovaries and the implications of doing so is proving to be more emotionally complex.