Leane Flynn

1967-2023

Leane was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017, at the age of 49. The disease caused her premature death on Tuesday 5th September. She was only 55 years of age.

It is difficult to express how much Leane Flynn meant to the ovarian cancer community.

Her radiant presence lifted the mood in every room she entered. Leane’s personal warmth, storytelling ability and drive made her a force of nature in the fight against ovarian cancer. She left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

She became a passionate advocate, spreading the message that ovarian cancer needed greater community focus to grow public awareness and to channel funds into research that would change the outlook for women like her. Leane was an open book, documenting her experience on social media through multiple recurrences, moments of joy and an unfailing hope of a better future for future generations and especially for her girls, who joined her in the campaign over the years.

As an extremely talented communicator, Leane was often the OCRF’s voice in our major announcements. She participated with full endeavour in Frocktober and any campaigns that would extend the reach of her message. She became a social media giant, where was able to engage with her tens of thousands of followers. Her ability to articulate a message of action, by weaving her own story in to reflect the reality of ovarian cancer, led to incredible responses. From high profile Ambassadors and members of Government, to her children’s school community – all who met her and heard her were moved to act. Leane’s presence is irreplaceable and her legacy lasting.

Leane is survived by husband Justin and daughters Amelia, Laura and Anabel.

This is her ovarian cancer story.

Leane was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2017 and the diagnosis was a complete surprise because she was in good health and had no obvious symptoms. Leane had been for her usual gynaecological check-up early in 2017 and received a healthy result from the PAP smear and breast examination. There was some bloating and the need to urinate frequently – which was attributed to menopause. The doctor was convinced Leane was menopausal but did recommend a blood test and ultrasound just to confirm this diagnosis.

The scan revealed a large tumour growing on each ovary and another tumour growing between Leane’s diaphragm and liver. The CA125 blood test result of 800+ (the “normal” range is anything under 35) was further proof that she had ovarian cancer. Subsequent surgery confirmed it was Stage 3C advanced ovarian cancer.

Managing and maintaining her health has always been a priority for Leane. She was unaware that ovarian cancer was not detected via her usual check-ups and had no idea of the possible symptoms. Sometimes Leane thinks back to before she was diagnosed and tries to recall when she first noticed the bloating and how things could have worked out differently had she done something about it then, or better still if it could have been detected before she even had symptoms. Her prognosis would have undoubtedly been better and instead of going through extensive debulking surgery followed by 6 months of chemotherapy – she may have simply had a hysterectomy and got on with her life.

An early detection test would have allowed her to do this.