Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

An alliance is a group that brings together patients, families, clinicians, advocates, and organisations around ovarian cancer. Its work may include plain-language education, peer support, awareness activities, policy advocacy, professional collaboration, and funding for projects intended to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or quality of life.

A patient organisation is not a substitute for your oncology team. Information from an alliance may help you prepare for appointments, understand unfamiliar terms, or find emotional and practical support. Check that advice applies to your diagnosis and location before acting on it.

Start with resources that explain who produced them, when they were updated, and whether they separate established care from optional participation. Take questions to your clinician before changing medicines, arranging tests, or paying for a service. Your team can explain how pelvic ultrasound, genomic tumour profiling, surgery, chemotherapy, or BRCA genetic testing fit your situation.

If you are considering joining a patient-led project or contributing information, ask what will happen to your data, what participation involves, and whether you can stop. You should be able to make a choice without pressure.

Seek medical advice for new or persistent abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, appetite change, bowel or bladder changes, unusual bleeding, or unexplained weight change. Seek urgent help for severe pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, heavy bleeding, severe breathlessness, or inability to pass urine or stool.

Which alliance resources are suitable for my diagnosis? Can you help me assess information about a new treatment or project? What questions should I ask about privacy, consent, costs, and practical support? Who should I contact if symptoms change?