OVARIAN CANCER
Learn about ovarian cancer, including risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, stories from our community, and where to find support.
PERSONAL OVARIAN CANCER STORIES
Sharing personal ovarian cancer stories and experiences is important in understanding that not one ovarian cancer journey is the same. It helps build a supportive community, form compassion and connection with others, as well as develop a deeper understanding of the OCRF’s core mission to see every woman everywhere free from the threat of ovarian cancer.
Below are some of the OCRF community’s ovarian cancer survivor stories, patient stories and stories from loved ones.
PATIENT STORIES OF OVARIAN CANCER
Leane Flynn
Leane Flynn was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2017 and the diagnosis was a complete surprise because she was in good health.
Kel Pittman
Wife to Mark and mother of two, Kel Pittman was just 43 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2014.
Siobhan O’Sullivan
Dr Siobhan O’Sullivan is Associate Professor of Social Policy and Research at UNSW Sydney. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2020.
OVARIAN CANCER SURVIVOR STORIES
Lindy Spicer
Lindy Spicer was 25 years old when she felt a lump on the left side of her pelvis. Apart from a slight unwell feeling it was her only symptom of ovarian cancer.
Jemima Leydon
When Jemima was just five years old, she was heartbreakingly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. As you can imagine, it was a complete shock.
Vali Creus
The 41-year old ovarian cancer survivor is an example of medical ingenuity which enabled her to become pregnant even though both her ovaries had been removed.
Daniella Brasacchio
Daniella shares her experience of a loved one’s diagnosis, as well as her own story — one that highlights what it really means to be ‘at risk’ of ovarian cancer.
OVARIAN CANCER STORIES FROM LOVED ONES
Mandy Herbert’s story told by her family
Mandy had just turned 50. She was living in the Glen Iris home she’d shared with her husband Philip for 30 years, with their daughters Georgie and Penny.
Jane Francis’ story told by husband Aled Francis
Our story begins in late July 2018, when Bryn and I returned home from a trip back to Wales. We found Jane…collapsed on the floor, breathless and in extreme pain.
MORE ABOUT OVARIAN CANCER
Causes & Risk Factors
Learn more about what causes ovarian cancer and whether you may be at an increased risk.
Signs & Symptoms
Get to know the common signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Diagnosing
Learn about how ovarian cancer is diagnosed.
Treatment
Understand the general treatment options for ovarian cancer patients.
Support Services
Where you can find specialised ovarian cancer support for yourself and your family.
About Ovarian Cancer
Understand the most up-to-date information and statistics about ovarian cancer in Australia.
Get the latest news, stories & updates.
