Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal gynecological cancers worldwide, claiming thousands of lives each year due to late diagnosis and limited awareness. 20 September 2025 – World Gynecologic Oncology Day (World GO Day) – marks the global launch of a powerful new podcast series that promises to spark conversation, inspire advocacy, and accelerate progress in women’s health.
The “Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story” podcast, hosted by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Hannah Vaughan Jones, is produced by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and is set to reach audiences across continents. Its mission? To break the silence, dismantle stigma, and inspire urgent action to improve survival outcomes for women everywhere.
🎧 About the Podcast
The podcast is designed to go beyond awareness campaigns and enter the real-world experiences of those who live, work, and fight in the ovarian cancer space. It serves as a resource for:
- Patients & Survivors – offering real stories of resilience and recovery.
- Families & Caregivers – providing insights to support loved ones through treatment.
- Healthcare Professionals – giving them patient perspectives to improve care delivery.
- Policymakers & Advocates – pushing for better funding, research, and early detection programs.
- General Public – empowering women with life-saving knowledge about symptoms, risks, and screenings.
🎙️ The Host: Hannah Vaughan Jones
Hannah Vaughan Jones, a seasoned journalist and global broadcaster, is the guiding voice of the podcast. Known for her sharp interviewing skills and empathetic storytelling, Hannah brings depth and authenticity to every episode.
“This podcast is about amplifying voices, breaking down stigma, and inspiring action. By sharing these stories, we hope to change not just the narrative but also the future of ovarian cancer.” – Hannah Vaughan Jones
Her role is not just to moderate conversations, but to create a space where honesty, vulnerability, and advocacy intersect.
📌 Episode 1: Be a Drama Queen
The very first episode sets the tone with a provocative title – “Be a Drama Queen” – challenging the cultural narrative that often silences women’s health concerns.
🎤 Featured Guests
- Clara MacKay – CEO, World Ovarian Cancer Coalition
- Sbba Siddique – British broadcaster and ovarian cancer advocate
Both guests deliver compelling insights into systemic neglect, delayed diagnoses, and the need for urgent change.
🔑 Key Takeaways from Episode 1
- Neglect of Ovarian Cancer:
Clara MacKay highlights that ovarian cancer has historically been “under-resourced and overlooked,” calling for ambitious global action to improve survival rates. - Personal Experience of Delay:
Sbba Siddique shares her journey of receiving a stage 3C diagnosis after months of her symptoms being dismissed. Her story is a stark reminder of the dangers of delayed intervention. - Empowerment Message:
Siddique’s call to women worldwide: “You know your body better than anybody else. Trust your gut, know your normal, and seek help.” - Collective Action is Needed:
The conversation underscores that awareness alone isn’t enough — we need policy change, research funding, and early-detection strategies to truly save lives.
🌍 Why This Podcast Matters
📊 The Global Burden of Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women globally.
- It is often detected late because symptoms are vague and easily mistaken for other conditions.
- Survival rates have seen only marginal improvement over the past few decades, unlike other cancers where early detection and treatment have made significant strides.
💡 The Power of Storytelling
Podcasts like this can break through public apathy by presenting information in a relatable, human-centered way. They create emotional connections, which are more likely to drive people to action — whether that’s seeking a medical checkup, donating to research, or advocating for better healthcare policies.
For generations, women’s health issues — especially those related to reproductive organs — have been shrouded in silence. The podcast aims to:
