Why are some populations more likely to carry faulty BRCA1/2 genes? We know from decades of research that people of Jewish ancestry are more likely to carry faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and the recent NICE guideline also states that people of Greenland descent are also at a higher risk, but why is this? In this article you'll find out what populations are at risk, the impact of BRCA faults, what ancestry means and the eligibility criteria for genetic testing ..read more

Igniting Hope: OCA Researchers Pave the Way for Ovarian Cancer Immunotherapies ..read more

Genetic testing: Why would I be tested if I have no family history of cancer? Most of the time, the stories you hear about the faulty genes linked to ovarian cancer involve people being tested after close relatives are diagnosed with cancer, and they have a clear pattern of cancer going back generations. The new guideline from NICE, as well as an NHS England pilot, are now offering genetic testing to certain populations even when they have no family history of cancer. So, why would someone decide to get tested without a strong family history of cancer? Our Special Projects Manager Jo Stanford ..read more

Nick: The hope is for a future where Ovarian Cancer will be a survivable disease. Nick, and his dog Louis, are taking on the challenge of walking 3048 miles of the English coastline to raise the money for ovarian cancer research - in memory of his wife, Lisa. Here Nick tells us about Lisa’s diagnosis, the adventure which lead to the adoption of their dog Louis, and why he’s taking on this incredible challenge in her name ..read more

Claudia: "To all the doctors, nurses, administrative staff, volunteers and many other people who helped me, thank you all for saving my life – twice…" After being diagnosed with two different primary breast cancers at age 52 and 59, Claudia decided to have genetic testing. After she found out she carried a faulty BRCA1 gene, she had to decide whether surgery to reduce her ovarian cancer risk was for her. She tells us her story ..read more

Fiona: "I feel grateful and privileged to have been able to contribute to smoothing the pathway for other people " After a shock diagnosis of ovarian cancer, Fiona gave up the career she loved to retire early. Getting involved in the creation of a new NICE guideline gave Fiona a new focus and the chance to make a difference. She tells us her story here ..read more

New NICE guideline published today opens up genetic testing to more people The brand new NICE guideline ‘Ovarian cancer: identifying and managing familial and genetic risk’ has been published today ..read more

Michelle: "Some days I do feel there is no end to the worry of another recurrence but... Life goes on. I'm still here" Michelle was working as a nurse when she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. After a recurrence, she was able to access the PARP inhibitor rucaparib (Rubraca). Here she tells us her story of how she deals with the fear of recurrence, including the exciting adventures she’s including in her life ..read more

Lindsey's story: "The knowledge of my BRCA2 gene mutation is a gift; a gift that could ultimately save my life" Despite having no known family history of cancer, Lindsey decided to take part in the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme as one of her grandparents was Jewish. She was shocked when she found out she does indeed carry a faulty BRCA gene. She tells us her story here ..read more

New NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme Launched. Ovarian Cancer Action were so excited to see the launch of the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme, which will allow more people than ever to learn their risk and take action to prevent cancer ..read more