Target Ovarian Cancer

17/05/2026

🔎 There is no national screening programme for ovarian cancer.

That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms and see your GP if they’re frequent and persistent.

Know the symptoms:
☑️ Persistent bloating
☑️ Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
☑️ Abdominal pain
☑️ Needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual

👉 Learn more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer: https://bit.ly/3iWQo5Z

14/05/2026

Have you been recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer?

Understanding an ovarian cancer diagnosis and what it means for you can feel overwhelming. Get trusted, clear information all in one place with our 'what happens next' guide.

Order a copy for free or download the guide 👉 https://bit.ly/3sUVneh

12/05/2026

💜 International Nurses Day 💜

Today we're saying a heartfelt thank you to nurses everywhere - especially the incredible ovarian cancer nurse specialists who support our community every day.

Our specialist nurses on the Target Ovarian Cancer support line are there to listen, answer questions and provide expert, compassionate support when it’s needed most. We also work closely with Clinical Nurse Specialists across the UK to help improve the experience, outcomes and care of women living with ovarian cancer.

Your expertise, dedication and kindness make an immeasurable difference. Thank you for everything you do. 🫶

P.S our nurse led support line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm and is free to call on 0808 802 6000 ☎️

11/05/2026

🔬 Ovarian cancer research in the news

The BBC has reported on new research exploring how endometriosis could influence the development of ovarian cancer and lead to improved treatments.

While we weren’t involved in this research, we know many people in our community are interested in developments like this and what they could mean for the future.

💬 “It’s always encouraging to see new research increasing knowledge around ovarian cancer. Studies like this show the continued commitment of scientists to better understand the disease, which is so important for everyone affected by ovarian cancer.” - Catherine Hart, Target Ovarian Cancer CEO

Read the full BBC story 👉

The condition affects one in 10 women in the UK and can cause debilitating pain and infertility.

08/05/2026

Today is World Ovarian Cancer Day 💜

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be easy to dismiss - which is why knowing them is so important.

This World Ovarian Cancer Day, will you help us raise awareness by doing one simple thing? 👉 Please share this post.

You never know who might see it, recognise the signs, and seek help sooner. 💜

07/05/2026

As we approach tomorrow, Lotte’s story is a reminder of why symptom awareness matters 💜

At just 29, Lotte was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2025 following surgery to remove ovarian cysts.

Earlier in 2024, Lotte began experiencing symptoms that didn’t feel right, but like so many people, she brushed them off. It wasn’t until later that she realised how long she’d been living with them.

Lotte says:
🗨️ “I saw my GP about sharp lower abdominal pain, bloating, and significant fatigue I just couldn’t shake. The symptoms had been going on for about three or four months already, but I had been brushing them off.”

After her diagnosis, Lotte found our website a source of clear, reliable information - and now she wants to give something back by raising awareness and fundraising, so others recognise the signs sooner.

🗨️ “Looking back, I wish I’d trusted my instincts earlier.” - Lotte

Read Lotte’s story and be aware of the symptoms you need to look out for 👉 https://bit.ly/4e2UbfU

06/05/2026

This week, we’re sharing stories of hope for 💜

After securing a ballot place this year, Lewis ran the London Marathon for the second time - not just for himself, but for his mum, Janet.

Janet was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in 2014 after noticing symptoms that didn’t feel right. Thanks to early diagnosis, she’s now cancer‑free and was there on marathon day, cheering Lewis on from the crowd!

🗨️ “Mum’s been cancer‑free for seven years now, which still feels amazing to say.” - Lewis

Lewis ran in support of Target Ovarian Cancer to help ensure more people get the chance his mum did.

🗨️ “Mum’s cancer was caught early, and not everyone gets that chance. Even so, she still had to go through major surgery and months of chemotherapy. Seeing that up close really stays with you.” - Lewis

For Lewis, crossing the finish line with his mum cancer‑free and there to cheer him on meant everything. 💜

Learn more about their story 👉 https://bit.ly/4wk2DjJ

05/05/2026

Lucy was just 26 when she was diagnosed with stage 1A ovarian cancer in 2023. From the outset, she wanted to raise awareness and encourage others to advocate for themselves when something doesn’t feel right. 💜

Last year, after speaking with fellow women in our online ovarian cancer community, Lucy made the decision to preserve her fertility.

Reflecting on her choice, Lucy says:
🗨️ “I made the decision to preserve my fertility and freeze eggs from my remaining right o***y.

"Although I've been told my fertility wouldn't be too affected with only one o***y, it’s always in the back of my mind – what if the cancer did return and I didn’t do this when I had the chance?

"I thought in the end I’d regret it much more if I didn’t do it, especially as sadly so many women don’t get that chance."

Read Lucy’s story and discover more experiences this week as we lead up to World Ovarian Cancer Day on Friday 8 May 👉 https://bit.ly/43SIaps

04/05/2026

This week, we’re sharing stories ahead of World Ovarian Cancer Day on Friday 8 May 💜

Georgina’s story is the first in a series of personal experiences we’ll be sharing this week - voices that show the reality of living with ovarian cancer and why symptom awareness matters so much.

With a previous diagnosis of diverticulitis, 68‑year‑old Georgina initially assumed her abdominal pain was linked to her digestive condition. When her symptoms changed, she went to her GP. In March 2022 Georgina was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.

Reflecting on her journey, she says:

🗨️ “I was given a year to live after my recurrence was confirmed which I believe mentally shut me off from looking to the future. You’re just left waiting for when’s it going to happen. Three years on, I know I'm blessed in that sense, and I wish I'd kept my mind open as now I feel more positive – like there's no longer a shut door in front of me.

"I’m still very pragmatic about the reality of living with ovarian cancer but I’m in good physical health and still have no pain. There are limitations, I get tired more quickly, but I try and eat well, go for walks, do pilates and just enjoy my life as best I can!”

👉 Read Georgina's full story: https://bit.ly/4w4Rfb2

Follow along this week as we share more personal stories in the lead‑up to World Ovarian Cancer Day, and help us spread awareness by sharing their voices. 💜

29/04/2026

If you think you might have the symptoms of ovarian cancer, it's important to see your GP. 🏥

We know that first phone call or conversation can be difficult, so we've worked with Macmillan Cancer Support to create some top tips to help you talk to your GP about the symptoms you're experiencing.

See our top 10 tips in full 👉 https://bit.ly/3LHZqT5

27/04/2026

"I was first diagnosed in January 2016. After feeling a lump in my lower abdomen, I went to see my GP. I didn’t have any other symptoms. My GP took blood and sent it straight to the hospital. I knew from her face that it was serious.

"I had a consultant appointment within days; we must have been added to the list as we were the last appointment of the day. It was there that we received the news – my CA125 level was very high and I had ovarian cancer. We were in a total state of shock and had to just leave the room and go home.

"My knowledge at the time was that there was no cure for ovarian cancer. It felt very isolating to just go home and try to process the limited information we had".

Sue was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer 10 years ago. She started Niraparib in 2020 after a recurrence and has been stable since. Sue wants to alter the perception of ovarian cancer, showing the options and that you can still lead a good life.

👉 Read her story: https://bit.ly/3QsT6q8