In the UK, a woman dies of ovarian cancer every two hours. This stark reality isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call to action that we can no longer ignore.

In the last decade we’ve seen some major milestones – three Olympics, five Prime Ministers, and more superhero movies than we can count. And yet, amongst all that change, one-year ovarian cancer survival rates have stood still.

That isn’t to say progress hasn’t happened. In the last 10 years we’ve had incredible research breakthroughs such as the development of OvarianVax, the first potential vaccine for ovarian cancer. We’ve had new treatments become available like PARP inhibitors, a targeted drug that stops cancer cells from repairing themselves.

Alongside this, we successfully lobbied the Government to release their first National Ovarian Cancer Audit report, giving us an in-depth look at the how ovarian cancer care was delivered to women across England and Wales – where improvements are needed.

But with survival rates still improving, there is so much more to do. Your support means we can work to identify new drugs, develop personalised treatments, and drive early diagnosis – so more women understand their options.

We know a future where no woman dies of ovarian cancer is possible. Join us to make a change – one of hope, progress, and better survival rates.

Ovarian cancer starts when abnormal cells in and around the ovary and fallopian tubes grow and divide in an uncontrolled way and form a cancerous tumour (malignant).

The cancerous cells grow into surrounding tissues and can spread to other parts of the body.

There are several different types of ovarian cancer and type of cancer depends on the type of cell and tissue the cancer starts in.

Because the symptoms are common and misdiagnosed, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late. The earlier ovarian cancer can be diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Treatment of ovarian cancer will depend on the type, stage and grade of the cancer you’re diagnosed with, however the earlier the cancer is diagnosed the easier it is to treat.

Our bodies are made up of billions of cells which are constantly replaced when they are old, damaged, or worn out.

To replace a cell, our bodies make a copy of a healthy cell by splitting in two and destroying the old or worn-out cell.

Cancer develops when this process of division happens in an uncontrolled and unusual way, resulting in the cell dividing and multiplying until it forms a lump called a tumour.

The ovaries are two small glands that form part of the female reproductive system, which is also made up of the vagina, cervix, uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes. Ovaries have two main functions:

• Produce, store, and release eggs for reproduction
• Produce the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer is most common in women over 50, particularly those who have gone through menopause. However, it can also affect younger women.

Risk factors include having a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, certain genetic mutations, and never having been pregnant.

Women who have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause may also have a higher risk.

Take a look at ovarian cancer in more detail, including the stages and grades of ovarian cancer, types of ovarian cancer and how you could decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.

Please see our website for further details

https://ovarian.org.uk