Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story

New Hope In Ovarian Cancer Treatment

What’s changing in ovarian cancer treatment - and who has access to it? In this episode, we dive into the biggest innovations transforming ovarian cancer care - from “smart” targeted treatments like PARP inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), to advances in surgery, immunotherapy, and biomarker testing that help match the right patient to the right treatment.  But do women around the world have equitable access to these breakthroughs? We explore the real-world barriers patients face - from awareness gaps to issues with access and cost - as well as the significant socioeconomic impact of the disease. Host Hannah Vaughan Jones is joined by Isabelle Raq-Coquard, Oncologist, Centre Léon Bérard, Professor of Medecine, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Co-Chair of the Lancet Commission on Ovarian Cancer. Frances Reid, who led the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s groundbreaking Every Woman studies returns to the podcast with her insights. The conversation also looks ahead to more personalised care, the growing focus on prevention (including opportunistic salpingectomy - we explain what this is!), and the real hope that earlier detection and improved treatments could transform outcomes for patients in the years ahead. Listen to the full episode to understand what’s changing - and what still needs to. This episode is sponsored by AbbVie and Verastem.

Is Ovarian Cancer in Your Genes?

Is ovarian cancer in your family history? In the opening episode of Season 2 of Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story, we explore how knowing the answer to that question - and taking action - could save your life.  While many people associate ovarian cancer with symptoms alone, this episode shines a light on what may be hidden in our family history. Around 1 in 5 ovarian cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations.  Host Hannah Vaughan Jones is joined by patient advocate Tamara Hussong Milagre, Professor Adam Rosenthal, and MEP Stine Bosse to unpack what genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 really mean, how they impact cancer risk and what you should do if ovarian cancer runs in your family.  Through a powerful and deeply personal story, Tamara shares her experience of discovering her own genetic risk - and the life-changing decisions she made about preventative surgery.  The conversation also explores what the future could look like, including the work of DISARM, an EU initiative aiming to advance risk assessment and early detection. Together, the panel explores: * The link between inherited genetic risk and ovarian cancer * The importance of genetic testing and counselling * Advances in early detection, screening, and personalised risk assessment * The emotional and psychological impact of hereditary cancer risk * How policy and innovation are shaping the future of prevention When it comes to ovarian cancer, knowledge isn’t just power - it’s potentially life-saving. Show Notes To find out more about DISARM go to https://disarm-project.eu/ [https://disarm-project.eu/] To find out more about the work of EVITA https://evitacancro.org/en/ [https://evitacancro.org/en/] To access the EVITA platform https://evitacancro.org/en/evita-platform/ [https://evitacancro.org/en/evita-platform/]

22 Countries, 2,446 Stories

In this groundbreaking episode of Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story titled "22 Countries, 2,446 Stories”, we explore the realities faced by women with ovarian cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Featuring insights from Frances Reid, Study Lead of the landmark Every Woman Study™: LMIC Edition, Sonia Muliyil, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, and Dr. Aisha Mustapha, obstetrician, consultant and clinical lead in Nigeria, we uncover the challenges, disparities, and financial impacts women face worldwide. Discover how high-quality data from 2,446 women across 22 LMICs is driving policy change, improving awareness, and inspiring hope. This episode also highlights the Nigeria Pilot project, a direct outcome of the study, showing how research can lead to real-world action and better ovarian cancer care. Join us to hear the voices of women who are changing the ovarian cancer story - and learn how awareness, advocacy, and evidence are shaping a brighter future. Read the Global Report here: https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WOCC_Every-Woman-Study-Report-DIGITAL.pdf Read The Lancet Publication here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanogw/article/PIIS3050-5038%2825%2900047-0/fulltext

I'd Never Asked For Help Before

In this moving and powerful conversation, world-renowned journalist and CNN Chief International Anchor Christiane Amanpour joins host Hannah Vaughan Jones on Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story, a podcast from the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, to speak candidly about her ovarian cancer diagnosis, the further treatment she’s receiving and what it means to ask for help for the first time. Alongside her consultant oncologist, Dr. Angela George - Clinical Director of Genomics at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, Amanpour shares insights into her experience with immunotherapy, the importance of early detection and the emotional weight of her journey. The episode shines a light on resilience, scientific innovation and the deeply personal realities of navigating the most lethal form of cancer for women worldwide.  In this episode: * Christiane Amanpour reveals she’s receiving further treatment for cancer but it’s being well managed. In an update following the recording, Dr. George told us that Christiane’s relapsed ovarian cancer is currently in remission under immunotherapy. * Dr. Angela George explains why ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late and how genetic testing can help * Both guests discuss the role of female medical professionals in Amanpour’s care and why it mattered * Amanpour reveals why asking for help was transformational for her * Both guests share what gives them hope Hannah asked Christiane about her podcast “Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files with Jamie Rubin”. Together they unpack today’s defining global crisis. You can watch the latest episode here: https://www.amanpourpod.com/ One of the most influential women in global news media like you’ve never seen her before speaking alongside the doctor who cares for her - this is a powerful, emotional and inspiring conversation offering both hope and urgency. We hope you enjoy listening because through sharing stories, the latest scientific and data-driven insights and building more awareness, we can all help change the ovarian cancer story for women around the world, no matter where they live.  A note to listeners: This episode includes discussion of ovarian cancer symptoms and treatment side-effects. If you are newly diagnosed or supporting someone who is, please listen with care. Remember: every journey with ovarian cancer is unique. Always speak openly with your healthcare team about your symptoms, side-effects, and treatment options. Hashtags (for social sharing): #OvarianCancer #ChristianeAmanpour #CancerAwareness #WomenInMedicine #Immunotherapy #CancerSurvivor #ChangingTheStory #WOCCPodcast #WomensHealth #EarlyDetectionSavesLives

Be A Drama Queen

“Don’t be a drama queen.” It’s a phrase many women have heard and often one used to dismiss us. But when it comes to your health, maybe being a drama queen is exactly what you need to be. Trust your instincts, speak up, and never let anyone write off your symptoms as “just being a woman of a certain age.” That’s just one of the conversation gems in this first episode of Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story. Host Hannah Vaughan Jones sits down with Clara MacKay, CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, and Sbba Siddique, ovarian cancer warrior and Director at Asian Star Radio in the U.K. Together, they share personal insights and global perspectives on ovarian cancer: - Why ovarian cancer is the most lethal of female cancers - The latest research findings and where the biggest gaps remain - The critical role advocacy plays in changing outcomes - How women everywhere can be empowered to speak up and be heard Sbba also shares her own diagnosis journey-offering candid reflections on her symptoms, treatment, and what it really means to navigate care whilst juggling everything else in life. ⚠️ A note to listeners: This episode includes discussion of ovarian cancer symptoms and treatment side-effects. If you are newly diagnosed or supporting someone who is, please listen with care. Remember: every journey with ovarian cancer is unique. Always speak openly with your healthcare team about your symptoms, side-effects, and treatment options. Clara MacKay is CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the only global advocacy organisation focused solely on ovarian cancer. Working with 230 patient advocacy organizations around the world, the Coalition is determined that everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life possible, no matter where they live. Clara has nearly 25 years of experience in cancer advocacy. For more on the Socioeconomic Burden of Ovarian Cancer in 11 Countries study that Clara referred to, head to our website using the link here: https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/our-work/socioeconomic-burden-study/ For more on The Every Woman Study™ that Clara referred to, head to our website using the link here: https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/our-work/ewslmic/ Sbba Siddique is an ovarian cancer thriver, campaigner and women’s health advocate. She is a Director and Presenter at Asian Star Radio in the U.K.. Established in 2007, the award-winning radio station is dedicated to Asian music. You can learn more on their social media platforms @asianstarradio