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On Target
 News from Target Ovarian Cancer

 Winter 19/20

It’s time to

 Towards better MAMMA
 treatments MIA!

Welcome
 Inside this issue News

 Get ready for Ovarian Cancer
 Awareness Month 3 Meet
 Rosemary
 News 4
 Acting on early diagnosis 6
 The best support and care 8

“We need action on MAMMA MIA! 10 Rosemary had all the symptoms of
early diagnosis, now.” Thank you 11 ovarian cancer. After visiting her local
 GP surgery she was misdiagnosed
These are words I hear from so many of and treated with antibiotics. As her
you when I have the pleasure of meeting Cover photo: Patron Sarah Greene on symptoms persisted and her stomach
you. It’s an issue close to many families’ stage at MAMMA MIA! the musical with began to swell, she was eventually
hearts – and absolutely central to our performers Mazz Murray and Ricky Butt diagnosed with stage I ovarian cancer. “As a woman who has lived through
mission at Target Ovarian Cancer. ovarian cancer I’m passionate about
 “I remember feeling so unwell, but
 raising awareness of this disease
In this On Target we’re preparing for Target Ovarian Cancer, 2 Angel Gate, I hadn’t thought along the lines of
 London EC1V 2PT and its symptoms. Early diagnosis
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month cancer. I had been to all my regular
 is so important – if caught at stage
in March. It’s a time to turbo-charge 020 7923 5470 smear tests, which I thought detected
 I or II, the survival rates surge. It is
our efforts. Together we’ve achieved info@targetovariancancer.org.uk all gynaecological cancers. Now, of
 essential that both women and GPs
significant improvements, but two course, I know that’s not the case.”
 targetovariancancer.org.uk know the symptoms, which is why
thirds of women are still diagnosed
 Now, 15 years after her diagnosis, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
with ovarian cancer once it has already Find us on social media Rosemary wants to raise awareness and is so important. It’s the perfect
spread, and that’s not good enough.
 help other women cope with their illness. occasion for anyone to get involved.”
Together, through our campaign, It’s
time to TAKE OVAR, we can make sure
women are diagnosed at the earliest
possible stage.
If you can do just one thing, sign up Act on early
for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
and raise awareness, raise money, diagnosis
and save lives, right now. Read on to
learn all about our work to get the best Do you have this March
care for women, plus our phenomenal
partnership with MAMMA MIA!
 questions about This Ovarian Cancer Awareness

With best wishes,
 ovarian cancer? Month, make sure more women are
 diagnosed earlier. Fundraise for us
 Contact our nurse-led Support Line, open and you can help raise awareness
 9am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday and train GPs.
 020 7923 5475
Annwen Jones OBE, Chief Executive Look at our fundraising guide
 targetovariancancer.org.uk/ for inspiration or visit
 supportline targetovariancancer.org.uk/march

2 3

News

New ovarian First look at Angela’s
cancer audit pilot legacy
treatments Target Ovarian Cancer, the British
 Gynaecological Cancer Society, Ovarian
 When
 Angela was
 Cancer Action and Public Health diagnosed
Target Ovarian Cancer has England work in partnership on the with ovarian
campaigned hard for the ovarian cancer audit feasibility pilot, cancer 10
introduction of new ovarian cancer which maps ovarian cancer care, years ago,
treatments and we have seen progress surgery and survival across the NHS. she knew she
in recent years, especially with drugs wanted to give
known as PARP inhibitors, which are The first findings from the audit show
 something back.
given after chemotherapy to stop or that women in some areas are twice
slow the growth of cancer. as likely to be diagnosed with ovarian “I had this awful bloating. I felt as if I
 cancer, even when age is taken wanted to put a pin in my tummy and
In 2019, olaparib (Lynparza®) was made
available for women who have advanced
 What comes next? into account. There are a number of let all the air out. My GP diagnosed me
 likely reasons behind this, including with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As
ovarian cancer and a mutation in their ethnicity, birth rates and take-up of my symptoms persisted, I spoke with a
BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes as part of their At a major international conference in
 September 2019 it was announced that the contraceptive pill. The pilot has friend whose aunt had ovarian cancer.
first round of treatment across the also confirmed that there is significant She had experienced bloating. I decided
United Kingdom. three treatments: olaparib in combination
 with bevacizumab (Avastin®), niraparib regional variation in early diagnosis to go back to the doctor, who told me
Rucaparib (Rubraca®) was also made (Zejula®), and veliparib had all shown – women in some areas are being ‘IBS doesn’t go away overnight’.
available for women with recurrent ovarian promising results in major trials looking diagnosed earlier than in others.
 “I told him I was concerned about ovarian
cancer in England, Wales and Northern at drugs that could be part of a first targetovariancancer.org.uk/auditresults cancer. He nearly dropped his pen. He
Ireland. The Scottish Medicines Consortium round of treatment for a wider range examined me and straight away felt
is in the middle of its decision process on of women. The next step is for these something. It turned out I had a mass
rucaparib, and you can check our website treatments to be licensed for use on my ovary the size of a rugby ball
for all the latest news. (meaning they are considered safe)
 and then approved for the NHS. Target
 Our free Will and needed an operation immediately.

 service
 Fortunately, it was caught in the early
 Ovarian Cancer is making sure they are stages, but I was so cross about having
 made available as soon as possible. to confront my doctor. Diagnosing
 Progress is also being made in We have partnered with the ovarian cancer early is so important.
 new treatments for less common National Free Wills Network “I found Target Ovarian Cancer when I
 types of ovarian cancer. Results to offer you a free Will-writing was writing my Will, and decided to leave
 reported in September show exciting service. To find out more something to help. I hope my gift can
 potential in a drug called trametinib visit targetovariancancer. help future women to be diagnosed at the
 (Mekinist®), for treatment of low org.uk/freewills earliest opportunity and have the best
 grade serous ovarian cancer. There is no obligation to include possible chance of survival. I know that
 To find out more or find clinical trials a gift to Target Ovarian Cancer no matter what else happens, my gift to
 in your area, go to: in your Will but we hope that Target Ovarian Cancer will always remain.”
 targetovariancancer.org.uk/clinicaltrials you consider doing so.

4 5

Target on…

It’s time to end
delays in diagnosis
Late diagnosis is a complex problem that needs an innovative Our campaign
approach. At the moment, two thirds of women are diagnosed once for action
the cancer has already spread. Over a quarter end up in A&E before
they receive their diagnosis. But you are helping to tackle this... In the run-up to December’s general
 election, hundreds of Target Ovarian
 Cancer campaigners wrote to local
 candidates calling on them to improve
 “I waited too long awareness, diagnosis and treatment

 for a diagnosis”
 of ovarian cancer. Thanks to your
 Tackling awareness Working with GPs hard work more newly elected MPs
 will be aware of ovarian cancer. We
 What happened to Julie just Julie’s story is familiar, and that is GP Dr Vicki Barber works alongside Target will work with them to transform the
 two years ago is something because too many women are diagnosed Ovarian Cancer to educate as many GPs future for women with ovarian cancer.
 women experience too often. with ovarian cancer after delays. as possible to recognise and diagnose To sign up as a campaigner visit
 “I was treated for constipation and These delays come in many forms, ovarian cancer fast. “I volunteer to go to targetovariancancer.org.uk/campaigner
 bowel problems for 18 months before from not knowing the symptoms or large-scale GP events. It’s important
 I got diagnosed with stage IV ovarian being embarrassed to discuss them, to to me that I can speak to them
 cancer. I had pain in my tummy, and
 definitely noticed a change in bowel
 experiencing delays in getting ovarian
 cancer tests, to being misdiagnosed or
 peer-to-peer. Ovarian
 cancer can be challenging Ovarian cancer
 habits - two clear ovarian cancer treated for something else, like Julie. to diagnose, and risks
 being confused with
 in parliament
 symptoms. I tried everything my GP
 Every time something gets in the other health problems. We are the secretariat for the All-
 recommended - laxatives, low fibre
 way, it increases a woman’s chances I always find my Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)
 diets, high fibre diets and more.”
 of being diagnosed at an advanced fellow healthcare on Ovarian Cancer, which aims
 “Months later I was sent for bowel stage, once the cancer has already professionals engaged to raise awareness of ovarian
 cancer tests. They were clear so I spread. Our constant work to raise and keen to learn cancer among MPs and peers.
 finally saw a gynae cancer specialist, awareness of the symptoms of ovarian more. Nobody wants The APPG recently met to discuss
 and was diagnosed with advanced cancer is one way we’re fighting this. to miss a diagnosis.” the importance of Clinical Nurse
 ovarian cancer. I found the diagnosis Specialists (CNSs) and the pressures
 and treatment hard. At first I thought We aim to reach as many GPs facing the nursing workforce. Our
 and practice nurses as possible.
 I was doomed, and I needed extra
 support with my mental health.
 Join us this March Large events are one way to do that, and
 Pathfinder research shows CNSs
 are increasingly stretched and not
 But after everything, I wanted to Join in for Ovarian Cancer Awareness our GP toolkit is another. It’s packed with always able to meet the wider care
 talk about it. I’ve come through the Month and continue the push to resources to update their knowledge needs of women with ovarian cancer.
 treatment, I’m happy to be living get every woman diagnosed at the of ovarian cancer without leaving the Our work to address this includes
 a good life. I want it to be normal earliest possible stage. Sign up at surgery, like factsheets and our award- the brand new ovarian cancer care
 to talk about ovarian cancer.” targetovariancancer.org.uk/march winning GP education modules. standard. Find out more on p8.
 targetovariancancer.org.uk/GP

6 7

Target on…

Giving the best
support and care
Our brand new ovarian cancer care
standard was developed in partnership
 Vickie says “CNSs like me are crucial to
 women with ovarian cancer getting the
 Ovarian cancer A personal perspective…
with Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) best care they possibly can in hospital. and stomas
 Annette woke up after surgery to find
across the UK. Nurses have the potential Everyone should see a CNS, that’s the first During surgery for ovarian cancer, she had a stoma. She tells us how she
to transform women’s experiences, and thing. Getting support in other areas such some women will need to have part coped…
every woman diagnosed with ovarian as mental wellbeing, sex and relationships, of their bowel removed and a stoma
cancer should have access to this support. fertility or body image is also a must. formed. This is when one end of the “On the morning of my op, I was told I
 For example our service runs health and bowel is brought through the skin probably wouldn’t need a stoma. When I
The standard is designed for CNSs and wellbeing workshops for women as they woke up, my doctor said the surgery had
 so your poo can be collected in a
clinicians, and through it we want to make come to the end of their treatment. been more complicated than they first
 stoma bag attached to your tummy.
sure every woman is receiving the highest thought, and they’d had no choice but
level of care. Vickie Gadd, one of the nurses “Having information in writing is important. There are two new ways to find out to create one. It was so hard to adjust. I
we worked with, sets out our five principles: To have all of that support at your fingertips more about stomas. In our stoma video, had only recently been diagnosed, which
 makes a huge difference. We’re just listen to CNS Andreia Fernandes guide was difficult in itself, and
 developing a pack for after treatment that you through common questions about the stoma was another
1. Women’s care and will help with everything from getting a wig, stomas, see what a stoma looks like, and thing to worry about. It
 support is CNS-led to getting a lift to a hospital appointment, to hear from women who have experienced took a bit of time but
 sorting out finances. I think just being able to living with a stoma. This is a companion I learned to swallow
2. Women’s care is holistic, hand them that will make a huge difference to our guide, Ovarian cancer and stomas, my pride and ask for
 to how they feel when the leave hospital.
 meeting wider support needs written in partnership with Colostomy UK. help when I needed it.
 “If someone’s cancer comes back, that Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk/stomas “Meeting other people
3. Women are well can be an anxious time. Sometimes I see to watch the video and read the guide. in the same situation
 supported from the point people back in the clinic and they’re more
 really helped. I go to a
 of diagnosis through upset than when they found out they
 support group, and with them
 had ovarian cancer the first time. That’s
 treatment and follow-up completely understandable, and at that Come to our events I can discuss things that are difficult to
 speak about. The most important thing
 moment women should have the right Meet gynae cancer specialists
4.  Women receive high- support in place so they can cope better.”
 to know is that a stoma won’t make
 from local hospitals, speak to you change your life. It won’t stop you
 quality information other women living with ovarian wearing your normal clothes or doing
 specific to their needs cancer, and get practical and
 Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk/ your favourite things. People really can’t
 carestandard to find out more and emotional support. tell you have one by looking at you. For
5.  Women with a recurrence
 download our ovarian cancer care Our next event is in Leeds on my 60th birthday, my children took me
 receive support specific checklist, a companion to help you 5 March 2020 to Disneyland Paris and I went on all
 to their needs make sure you have all the information the rides without a problem. I would far
 you need. Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk/ rather have a stoma and be cancer-free
 supportevents to book your free place than the other way around.”

8 9

It’s time to It’s time to

MAMMA MIA!
Thank you for the music! Our partnership with ABBA A huge thank you to everyone who has fundraised for
musical MAMMA MIA! gives you the opportunity to Target Ovarian Cancer. You are helping to transform
get your hands on an exclusive t-shirt designed by the futures of everyone affected by ovarian cancer.
Elizabeth Emmanuel.
The stars came out to support our launch event
 Sisters Alice and Tessa and their
at the London production in the Novello Theatre, team Fight for the Circle completed
and t-shirts are on sale online, at the Novello a marathon walk, raising £4,600 in
and at all performances of the UK and international memory of mum Gillian.
MAMMA MIA! tour.
 Mark did a skydive,
 pauletteakapauly
 raising over £3,200 in
 memory of his
 wife Linda.
 Emma and the
 Rebecca and Ellen took on Oakdale Runners took
 the Tough Mudder London on the Reebok Ragnar
 West, and raised over £8,700 White Cliffs, a 170-
 in memory of their mother. mile relay. The team
 raised over £8,000.

 Kevin and his team the Wheel
 Beyond proud to
 be wearing this Pack cycled over 70 miles in
 pauletteakapauly Dynamo T-shirt in support of aid
 specially designe
 d
 rian Can cer. This is a cau
 se near and memory of his mum Prue.
 for Targ et Ova died from Ovarian
 dear to my heart
 Cancer 28 years
 ago ❤ ❤
 since my Mother T-shirt was
 collaboration
 The team raised over £2,100.
 beth Emmanuel in
 designed by Eliza Buy one now to
 Musical in London
 w Mama Mia the
 support this cause!.com/mamamia/mama-mia-
 https://theater-shop irt/.
 dynamo-charity-t-sh
 lisa_snowdo n

 Join us and fundraise
 Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk/fundraising or call 020 7923 5474

 “My mum Dorothy was a beautiful person. She wanted
 all her family and friends to donate to Target Ovarian
 Cancer when she died, so we set up a tribute page
 in her name. It is a perfect way for us to share
 memories, photos and see how much we have raised
 lisa_snowdon I’m together over time. It’s a wonderful way to honour her.”
 Target Ovarian Cancer receives an incredible £9 edition Dynamo proud to be rocking my limited
 T-sh
 cancer.... This stun irt in support of ovarian
 per t-shirt sold. Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk/ been commissionening sparkly little beauty has Lucinda
 @Byeethedesign d by design legend
 er
 collaboration with alongside @judycraymer in
 MAMMAMIA to get yours! importance of us @targetovarian to highlight the
 of the signs and women and girls being aware
 syp
 keep going for regu toms of this deadly disease -
 Remember your loved one at targetovariancancer.org.uk/tributepage
 please ladies. This lar check ups and screening
 with silver and whit epic t-shirt comes in black
10 now! Get involved e with gold and is available 11
 Go to @targetova and let’s raise some money!
 #dynamoBeAwa rian and see the link to buy.
 re #mammamiathe
 musical

Run for Mum
 Join our newest race Run for Mum and make
 sure future generations of women with ovarian
 cancer have the best chances of survival.
 Run for someone you remember, someone
 you know, or for future generations
 of women with ovarian cancer.
 Visit targetovariancancer.org.uk/RunForMum
 to sign up!

 The race will take place
 on Mother’s Day 2020 in
 Hyde Park, London. Do a
 5K, 10K or stretch yourself
 to a half marathon.

©Target Ovarian Cancer January 2020
Target Ovarian Cancer is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (No. 6619981).
Registered office: 2 Angel Gate, London EC1V 2PT.
Registered charity numbers: 1125038 (England and Wales) and SC042920 (Scotland).