Your Stories

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.

Fiona: “I’m proud of who I’ve become since my diagnosis, but I wish I had undergone a different treatment”

Fiona was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer in 2007, aged 25. Now, celebrating 15 years since her diagnosis, Fiona reflects on her journey so far and shares her experiences to highlight the reality of living with ovarian cancer.

Alexandria: ‘I had ovarian cancer, that’s why I’m discovering breakthroughs for other women with the disease’

Alexandria was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in 2014, while she was at university studying to become a scientist.

Her experience fuelled a passion to study ovarian cancer research, and improve diagnosis and treatment for other women. It’s been eight years since Alexandria finished her treatment, and she’s now proudly working at our Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre. Alexandria passed her thesis defence is 2023 and is now has a PHD in cancer studies. 

Here she shares her 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 cancer in November 2012, aged 40. Now, celebrating a decade since her diagnosis, she wants to share her story to give hope to anyone, especially with late stage ovarian cancer, who has just been diagnosed, or who is undergoing treatment.

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.

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.

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. 

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." 

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.

Gillian's ovarian cancer journey: diagnosis, treatment, and beyond

Gillian was repeatedly misdiagnosed for 18 months, but she kept persevering until she was finally diagnosed with ovarian cancer aged 33. 

Anna Hannides' story: The importance of early ovarian cancer diagnosis

Anna was 24 years old when she was diagnosed with a stage 1c dysgerminoma. She shares her story.

Remembering cancer campaigner Fi Munro

On July 7th 2020, we said goodbye to cancer campaigner and award-winning researcher Fi Munro. 

Fi was diagnosed with non-genetic stage four ovarian cancer just four years earlier, aged 30, and it changed her life forever. Little did we know then, how much she would go on to change other people’s lives too. 

Suzie shares her story: Ovarian Cancer Action’s BBC Lifeline Appeal

Meet Suzie, and actress and singer who was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive ovarian cancer. She is now trying to get support for immunotherapy treatment, which is not provided on the NHS. Suzie will be sharing her story as part of Ovarian Cancer Action's BBC Lifeline Appeal on 31st January.

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 Ovarian Cancer Action's BBC Lifeline Appeal.

Kimberley Ramsay: "I’m one of 295,000 women diagnosed globally every year with ovarian cancer"

Kimberley Ramsay is top of our Walk In Her Name Step Challenge leaderboard having already raised over £2,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action whilst recovering from surgery. 

Caroline Brown: "Research into early detection is paramount."

This year marks 26 years since Caroline's ovarian cancer diagnosis. She reflects on the importance of early diagnosis and the impact that cancer can continue to have on your mental health, even after being given the all-clear.

Bethany Dinsley: "Everyone was complimenting me on losing weight"

Bethany was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was just 19. She shares her story.

Karen Lamont: "Early diagnosis is the key."

Karen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer aged 19. Now 30 years after her diagnosis, she shares her story.

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.

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.