Mel, 24 years

I was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer at only 22 years of age and it was discovered by demanding a laparoscopy. As I was so young I experienced two years of frustration with local GP's who I guess thought I was 'too young' for something so serious.

My type of cancer only accounts for about 15% of all cases and specialists are still learning the best way to treat this type of disease. At present I cannot have chemo and all tests i.e. CA125, ultrasounds and scans are useless. For me I must undergo surgery for check ups which thankfully can normally be done through a laparoscopy and do not require open surgery.

I am staying very positive and know my plan in life is to teach children. I am just about to begin my final year of primary teaching at university and I will be doing so to a very old age. I am determined to be a survivor and help spread awareness about this 'silent killer'. I admire all the women currently fighting this disease and hope that they are all staying positive.

I have big decisions to make at present, as my specialist wants to conserve my fertility and I have always wanted a big family but I do consider my life the priority at the moment. It is also very hard at times to accept that I could live with this condition for ever as it can be very stressful at times and I get paranoid about the slightest pain.

My only advice to any young woman out there is to be persistent with your health, after all we know our bodies better than anybody else and it was me that demanded both my laparoscopies.

Best of luck to everyone. Will keep you posted!

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