In focus: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - Ovacome at Work

[OvacomeSupport]

Hello everyone

As March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the UK, in this month’s Health in Focus posts we’re exploring some of the approaches to raising awareness of ovarian cancer, in particular the signs and symptoms. Today, we’re looking more closely at the ‘Ovacome at Work’ programme, which raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer through giving talks to workplaces and community groups.

Prior to the pandemic, a member of the Ovacome staff team would visit the workplace or the venue for the community group and give a presentation about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and facts about it. Similarly to the Survivors Teaching Students programme that we looked at in last week’s post (healthunlocked.com/ovacome/... a trained volunteer ovarian cancer survivor also tells the story of their diagnosis, treatment and living with ovarian cancer.

Since covid-19, we have been able to continue this programme online, and we will return to face-to-face visits once it is safe to do so.

The volunteer has a really important role as personal stories are a powerful way of sharing information, which helps the audience to remember the signs and symptoms. This could help them to recognise the need to seek medical advice if they or someone they know develops possible symptoms.

The sessions are designed to give information in a warm and supportive way, with lots of discussion and questions. People of all genders are welcome to attend.

The sessions are free of charge and can be arranged to fit around workplace or venue timetables and spaces. They can also be delivered via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, or we can make the Powerpoint presentation available for you to share with your colleagues via a talk or the intranet.

Staff at a well-known retailer who attended said:

“It was great to hear Mary telling her story."

“The facts about ovarian cancer were delivered in a warm and down to earth way."

“It’s made me far more aware; now I know what to look out for."

“The story was eye-opening and taught me lot – Thank you!"

If you would like to arrange an Ovacome at Work session or request a copy of the presentation, please visit ovacome.org.uk/ovacome-at-work

If you would like to share your experiences of raising awareness of ovarian cancer, please comment on this post. If there is anything that we can help with, please contact us on 0800 008 7054 or at [e-mail].

Best wishes

Julia

Ovacome Support

[Irisisme]

Hello Julia,

I like the idea of getting the message across in the workplace. I’m not sure whether my story would help anyone to recognise symptoms, I always think, “What symptoms?” However, I did go to my GP with constipation and that could have been an overlooked symptom. I would be willing to tell anyone not to ignore issues like that.

I have a very long profile so you can read my story, and I promise that I’m not always so verbose!

Thank you for all that you do,

Iris

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team in reply to Irisisme]

Dear Iris,

Thanks so much for being willing to share your story - we know there is no more powerful way to raise awareness than for people to hear a personal experience of ovarian cancer.

I will send you a direct message so that we can follow up your kind offer.

Best wishes,

Laura Nott

Support Services