Your Stories
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Shannon: “I fell pregnant and nearly turned my back on ovarian cancer treatment - I was terrified my baby would die”
Shannon had to undergo gruelling treatment for ovarian cancer while pregnant with her son, Hunter. She was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer and almost refused surgery because she was terrified of the impact on her son. He survived, and his Mum has now found incredible strength and hope for the future. Read Shannon's story. -
Nick: The hope is for a future where Ovarian Cancer will be a survivable disease.
Nick, and his dog Louis, are taking on the challenge of walking 3048 miles of the English coastline to raise the money for ovarian cancer research - in memory of his wife, Lisa. Here Nick tells us about Lisa’s diagnosis, the adventure which lead to the adoption of their dog Louis, and why he’s taking on this incredible challenge in her name. -
Fiona: "I feel grateful and privileged to have been able to contribute to smoothing the pathway for other people "
After a shock diagnosis of ovarian cancer, Fiona gave up the career she loved to retire early. Getting involved in the creation of a new NICE guideline gave Fiona a new focus and the chance to make a difference. She tells us her story here.
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Claudia: "To all the doctors, nurses, administrative staff, volunteers and many other people who helped me, thank you all for saving my life – twice…"
After being diagnosed with two different primary breast cancers at age 52 and 59, Claudia decided to have genetic testing. After she found out she carried a faulty BRCA1 gene, she had to decide whether surgery to reduce her ovarian cancer risk was for her. She tells us her story.
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Hannah: “Let’s come together this March and celebrate the women who inspire and support us”
Many of us have had incredible women in our lives. Women who have always been there for us - mothers, sisters, daughters or friends. We talked to Hannah, who sadly lost a female friend to cancer and works for Ovarian Cancer Action, about why it’s important to pay tribute to these special women we know. This March, she’s invited her loved ones to join her for Walk in Her Name as a way of celebrating one another. -
Joe: “Walk In Her Name was one of the proudest moments I've felt”
Joining thousands of incredible supporters, last year Joe took part in our walking challenge for England Lioness star Beth Mead and her late mum, June. The football community and beyond had stepped out to show their support for Beth and to work towards a world where every woman survives ovarian cancer. Joe knows all too well the difficulties of losing a mum to cancer. Here he tells his story and why he was moved to take part in Walk In Her Name. -
Lindsey's story: "The knowledge of my BRCA2 gene mutation is a gift; a gift that could ultimately save my life"
Despite having no known family history of cancer, Lindsey decided to take part in the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme as one of her grandparents was Jewish. She was shocked when she found out she does indeed carry a faulty BRCA gene. She tells us her story here.
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Michelle: "Some days I do feel there is no end to the worry of another recurrence but... Life goes on. I'm still here"
Michelle was working as a nurse when she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. After a recurrence, she was able to access the PARP inhibitor rucaparib (Rubraca). Here she tells us her story of how she deals with the fear of recurrence, including the exciting adventures she’s including in her life.
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Angela's Story: I fear the future as there is no answer to how long I remain in remission
Angela was 52 when she started experiencing a fizzy feeling in her bladder. In October 2022, she was treated for a UTI but when the symptoms didn’t go away, she was sent for scans which revealed a large tumour on the ovary. She was then diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer.
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Douglas: ‘I am keeping her memory alive by fundraising for my amazing wife’
In a period of just a couple months, Douglas’ wife, Gillian, deteriorated rapidly. Now, Douglas is sharing her story and how he is keeping her memory alive by fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Action. -
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.
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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. -
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.
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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. -
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. -
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.
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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.