News & Blog
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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. -
Genetic testing: Why would I be tested if I have no family history of cancer?
Most of the time, the stories you hear about the faulty genes linked to ovarian cancer involve people being tested after close relatives are diagnosed with cancer, and they have a clear pattern of cancer going back generations. The new guideline from NICE, as well as an NHS England pilot, are now offering genetic testing to certain populations even when they have no family history of cancer. So, why would someone decide to get tested without a strong family history of cancer? Our Special Projects Manager Jo Stanford looks into this. -
Igniting Hope: OCA Researchers Pave the Way for Ovarian Cancer Immunotherapies
Immunotherapy is a game-changer in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. However, there is still a lot of work to be done towards developing immunotherapy treatments for ovarian cancer. -
New NICE guideline published today opens up genetic testing to more people
The brand new NICE guideline ‘Ovarian cancer: identifying and managing familial and genetic risk’ has been published today. -
Why are some populations more likely to carry faulty BRCA1/2 genes?
We know from decades of research that people of Jewish ancestry are more likely to carry faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and the recent NICE guideline also states that people of Greenland descent are also at a higher risk, but why is this? In this article you'll find out what populations are at risk, the impact of BRCA faults, what ancestry means and the eligibility criteria for genetic testing. -
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. -
New NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme Launched.
Ovarian Cancer Action were so excited to see the launch of the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme, which will allow more people than ever to learn their risk and take action to prevent cancer. -
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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World Cancer Day 2024: Ovarian Cancer Action take parliament for #CatchUpWithCancer
At Ovarian Cancer Action, we want all women to survive ovarian cancer. We’re determined to make sure every woman gets the treatment they need when they need it. For World Cancer Day 2024, we went to the Houses of Parliament, alongside 20 cancer charities, to call on the Government and opposition parties to drastically reduce waiting times for cancer patients. -
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. -
News: NICE recommend maintenance treatment combination of olaparib and bevacizumab for routine use on the NHS
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have today announced they have approved the combination of olaparib (Lynparza) with bevacizumab (Avastin) as ovarian cancer treatment. Find out more about the ovarian cancer treatment update. -
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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Behind the headlines: two in one c-section & ovary removal
In early November 2023, several media outlets shared an interesting case report: Several women with a high inherited risk of cancer had opted to have their ovaries removed at the same time as having a caesarean section when having their baby.
Here we look behind the headlines to learn what this procedure is, and who it might be suitable for.