Blog

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.

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.

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.

Ovarian Cancer Action on AARC: An exciting time for Ovarian Cancer Research

Our grants and impacts manager, Faye travelled to Boston for the AACR conference on Ovarian Cancer. She talks through key speakers, event highlights and the update from the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre.

What keeps our researchers motivated?

What keeps our researchers motivated? We asked our ovarian cancer specialists what helps them through the tough moments and keeps them motivated to keep going.

Isle of Man Anti Cancer Charity - Supporting local communities

The Isle of Man Anti Cancer Charity has been a long-time contributor to Ovarian Cancer Action. Statistically, 7 Island residents will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. Here they tell us why the charity was founded, the mission and how they're helping residents in their local communities.

Men and BRCA: what you need to know

Demetra Georgiou is a Principal Genetic Counsellor at Imperial College Healthcare (Charing Cross Hospital). She answers our top questions about men and BRCA.

Can ovarian cysts be cancerous?

You may have noticed there have been a few stories in the news about ovarian cancer being misdiagnosed as ovarian cysts recently. Ovarian cysts are common and are usually non-cancerous. We spoke to Dr Brooke Vandermolen, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctor, to find out more.

Retired farmer's mission to support Ovarian Cancer Action as tribute to his late wife

When Evelyn Wigley passed away 2015 from ovarian cancer, her husband Emyr decided to combat the "evil disease" in her memory.

He created The Old Stackyard British Blues, a closed breeding herd of pedigree British Blue cattle. Due to a recent injury, Mr Wigley has decided to sell his herd of 33 cattle in March, hoping to raise £100,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI). 

Emma - A year in the life of a 23-year-old woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer

Emma Colledge is a 23 years old prison officer and instructor with the army cadets. Active and aware, with her whole life ahead of her. But in February 2022, she noticed she was bloated. And it started off a year that would change her life forever.

Christine – ‘I gave myself about six months’

Christine was all set to get married in June 2022. But the previous six months had been marred by weight loss, difficulty swallowing, sickness and urinary problems. And then two weeks before her wedding day, she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer aged 61. This is her story.

Lottie – ‘My symptoms were put down to being poorly when pregnant’

On the 4th January 2022, Lottie gave birth to a baby boy born at 29 weeks gestation. His premature birth was put down to her having multiple infections. Lottie had become unwell in pregnancy firstly with a kidney infection. She then discovered this was only the start.

Showing the reality of ovarian cancer with a new campaign

Did you know only 44% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive beyond five years? The odds are against women and we need you to take action.

Debbie - 'I can't wait to hug Mum at the finish line'

'I can't wait to hug Mum at the finish line' 

Be inspired by Debbie's story of tackling the Great North Run and find your challenge.

What has happened with our research this year?

Your support funds vital ovarian cancer research. Learn all about the incredible work that our scientists have been working on in 2022 to help prevent ovarian cancer, diagnose it early and develop effective, personalised treatments.

Dear Janey Godley,

We can’t imagine what the last year must have been like. You’ve courageously shared so much about your diagnosis, coping with treatment, and the emotional side effects – the good and the bad, your hopes and your fears. 

So, through all that and everything you’ve gone through, there’s one thing we want to make sure you know on this fateful anniversary.

Thank you. 

Fantastic fundraisers - Autumn 2022

Be inspired by some of the amazing stories from our fundraisers this month. Can you do something amazing for women with ovarian cancer?

Tackling ovarian cancer inequalities – an update from our IMPROVE UK programme

Earlier this year, we began our landmark IMPROVE UK programme to address inequalities of care across the UK for women with ovarian cancer. Our Head of Policy and Research, Marie-Claire Platt reflects on the progress and challenges we’ve encountered so far.

Why I volunteer and why you should too - Meet John

John Lynch has been volunteering for Ovarian Cancer Action for more than five years. John is a machine, carrying out awareness talks across the country to community groups, workplaces, schools, clubs and more. His passion, enthusiasm and dedication is inspirational and as well as delivering talks he's now training people to do them too. Do you want to join him?