NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2012
funding research raising awareness giving a voice
Visit us at www.ovarian.org.uk
CARRYING THE TORCH FOR OVARIAN CANCER
See page 5
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CONTENTS 03
BENCH TO BEDSIDE A roundup of new developments in ovarian cancer research.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING Read our news and share our supporters' successes.
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A NEW COLLABORATIVE We fund the UK's first nationwide effort to tackle ovarian cancer.
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WALKATHONG 2012
WELCOME
It started with a woodland walk, now see how Walkathong has gone global!
It's been a busy few months for us since the last newsletter.
RESEARCH CENTRE
Most importantly we had the first Quinquennial Review of our Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre. And as a result of extremely positive feedback we're increasing our funding to the Centre this year. On page 10 we outline the exciting work being done there.
How more funds are driving three important research programmes.
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SURVIVORSHIP Read about a project supporting women with ovarian cancer.
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FUNDRAISING Women V Cancer cycle challenge – the first of its kind.
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RECYCLE TO SAVE LIVES Help fund our vital research and awareness work by recycling.
Thank you to all our amazing supporters. These include Jane Daly from Marks & Spencer, who was nominated by them to carry the Olympic Torch for Ovarian Cancer Action in recognition of her fundraising; and Cary Cochrane for organising Walkathong 2012 to raise awareness (page 8). Ovarian Cancer Action is funding the first UK-wide ovarian cancer science project – BriTROC – that will help put the UK on the international map for ovarian cancer research. I was pleased to attend a reception in the House of Commons with BriTROC leader, Professor Iain McNeish, to showcase it to parliamentarians. Hot off the press … We're delighted that the Department of Health will be trialling symptom awareness campaigns for ovarian cancer (page 4). As you will appreciate, this is a significant step in the right direction. We finished our financial year in March; and I'm overwhelmed to tell you that, with £1.8 million income, this was the best year Ovarian Cancer Action has ever had. It's allowed us to increase our science funding and we're immensely grateful for all your support helping us to reach this record target – no small achievement in this current climate.
Ovarian Cancer Action 8-12 Camden High Street London NW1 0JH Registered charity no. 1109743 Trustees Daniel Harris John Harris CBE Martin Paisner CBE Emma Scott Lord Turnberg of Cheadle
Trustee (Chair) Allyson Kaye
Gilda Witte Chief Executive
Follow us on Twitter @OvarianCancerUK
Head of Communications & Public Affairs Tania Pearson Production Editor Charlotte Williams
Join us on Facebook ovariancanceraction For more information call 0300 456 4700
Designer www.joannewood.co.uk
Disclaimer It should be noted that inclusion in the Ovarian Cancer Action newsletter does not imply endorsement of a participating organisation or its products.
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summer 2012 | www.ovarian.org.uk
FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE READING LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH AURELIA TRIAL RESULTS The drug Avastin – in combination with standard chemotherapy – has been shown to improve tumour shrinkage in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer tumours. Data from the AURELIA trial, which actually involved two studies (one in the USA and one in Europe), was presented recently at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) congress. Results showed that 2.5 times more women in the trial responded to the combination treatment (demonstrated by a significantly higher rate of tumour shrinkage) compared to women who received chemotherapy alone. Professor Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre said: 'This study shows Avastin used in combination with chemotherapy, and also after chemotherapy as a single 'maintenance'
treatment, can help reduce the risk of the disease worsening. At the moment our treatment options for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer are limited, so these results are very exciting.'
ENDOMETRIOSIS LINK TO OVARIAN CANCER Women with a history of endometriosis are significantly more likely to develop three specific types of ovarian cancer (clear cell, endometrioid, and low-grade serous), according to a study by the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium in America. Previous studies have suggested that endometriosis (a common gynaecological disorder) is associated with a risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer. But this is the first to quantify that risk and the relationship with specific subtypes of the disease. 'Most women with endometriosis will not
go on to develop ovarian cancer,' said Professor Hani Gabra. 'But this interesting study could lead to better identification of women at increased risk of the disease. It emphasises just how important it is that all women should be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and consult their GP if they are concerned.'
BRCA MUTATION: TESTING SHOULD BE OFFERED Professor David Bowtell and his team at Australia's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre have published a study which confirms that BRCA mutation status has a major influence on survival in ovarian cancer patients. Startlingly, the study also revealed that about half the women with the mutations did not have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The study shows that BRCA carriers respond better to drugs than women without BRCA mutations, and had improved rates of progression-free and overall survival. They also
responded better to both platin- and nonplatinbased treatments, even after relapse. This has important implications for genetic testing, and the study concludes that BRCA1/2 testing should be offered to all women diagnosed with common ovarian cancers to help clinicians select better targeted chemotherapy treatments. The news also has implications for the way clinical trials are designed, ensuring the effect of therapies on women with and without the mutations is understood. Professor Hani Gabra said: 'It is of importance that BRCA mutation is more frequent than previously thought; and that for many patients it was discovered in this series amongst women who did not have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. This important finding has implications for the way we currently conduct genetic testing in patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer.'
Find out more about these studies www.ovarian.org.uk/news/index.asp
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READ A NEW BLOG 'It's my personal take on day-to-day happenings,' said Gilda Witte, Ovarian Cancer Action's Chief Executive about her new blog. 'One day I will be meeting scientists and clinicians, the next journalists and MPs. To begin with I worried I wouldn't find enough to say; now I worry about how to stop!' More and more of Ovarian Cancer Action's busy supporters are turning to social media to keep in touch, and our follower
numbers on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are rising steadily. They include people whose lives have been affected by ovarian cancer, GPs, policy makers, journalists and people in the public eye. Head of Communications, Tania Pearson, said: 'Social media is a potent way to communicate with our supporters. Gilda's blog offers a fresh insight into our work, and the wider world of running a charity like Ovarian Cancer Action.'
Blog gildawitte.wordpress.com Twitter @OvarianCancerUK Facebook ovariancanceraction Google+ ovariancanceractionUK
NEW REGIONAL PILOT CAMPAIGNS Ovarian cancer is to be included in the Department of Health's public awareness campaign – Be Clear on Cancer – which aims to promote earlier diagnosis as part of the Government's drive to improve cancer survival rates. From January to mid-March 2013, the Department will run a number of regional pilot campaigns to test different approaches and local campaign activity. The campaigns will not involve TV advertising but will use other 'paid for' advertising and public relations. Trial regions include parts of East Anglia, Essex, the Thames Valley, Yorkshire
and North East Yorkshire, and Humberside. Until now, the Be Clear on Cancer campaign has concentrated on the three most common cancers. 'This news is a brilliant endorsement of our symptoms awareness work,' said Gilda Witte, Ovarian Cancer Action's Chief Executive. 'We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us with our national symptoms awareness campaigns, and for pushing the need for a Department of Health campaign up the national agenda.'
OLIVER BONAS 500 During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March, lifestyle retailer, Oliver Bonas, produced five Ovarian Cancer Action products for sale and launched a staff initiative called the 'Oliver Bonas 500'. Money was not the main objective. The simple aim was that everyone in the company could – and would – do something to raise either funds or
awareness to help our work. The pledges ranged from encouraging other local shops to take one of our collection tins, to giving up morning coffee. 'So many people from head office to shop floor got involved and made sure they did something to help,' said Nina Gopal, Ovarian Cancer Action's Head of Fundraising. 'We were bowled over by everyone's efforts.'
Oliver Bonas team
Please help us raise funds and awareness. Call 0300 456 4700 or visit www.ovarian.org.uk to find out more
summer 2012 | www.ovarian.org.uk
THE DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE Ovarian cancer can pose a significant diagnostic challenge. And a recent review of cases by the Medical Defence Union (MDU), which represents doctors accused of negligence, showed damages payouts of as much as ÂŁ550,000 being made in claims against doctors for incorrect or late diagnosis of the disease. The review found that, between 2002-2011, 84% of the 209 complaints and claims received relating to ovarian cancer involved alleged delays in diagnosing the disease. 'Ovarian cancer is a chameleon disease, where
typical symptoms are very similar to those of other common conditions,' said Dr. Rachel Sutcliffe, medico-legal adviser at the MDU. 'Failure to diagnose is not necessarily negligent but the seriousness of the condition means doctors must take steps to exclude it in a reasonable timescale.' Ovarian Cancer Action believes that raising awareness of the common symptoms of ovarian cancer amongst doctors, medical professionals and women is currently still the best way to improve diagnosis and survival rates.
FLASH MOB IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE! Even if we didn't catch Lord Nelson's eye when we descended on Trafalgar Square in teal knickers, we raised lots of smiles. And our flash mob certainly caught
everyone's attention. Behind our cheeky display was a serious message to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. You can see more teal knickers on page 8.
CHAMPION SUPPORTER
VISIT THE RESEARCH CENTRE Ovarian Cancer Action supporter, Jane Daly, became part of London 2012 Olympic history when she was chosen to carry the torch in May.
this cause because my mother lost her life to the disease. But my passion and dedication has grown because of the number of amazing people I've met.
Cheered on by family, friends and colleagues from her work at Marks & Spencer, Jane ran in the same relay as Chelsea footballer Didier Drogba.
'I hope the torch relay raises awareness of ovarian cancer and the invaluable work being done by Marks & Spencer, Ovarian Cancer Action and all their supporters. We can be so much more powerful if we work together to beat this disease.
'It was one of the best days of my life, and a-once-in-alifetime experience,' said Jane. 'I feel proud to be honoured and recognised for my work around ovarian cancer. I started to support
'I have the bug now‌ the London Marathon is next on my list!'
The Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre is a worldleading facility conducting ground breaking work. Launched by Ovarian Cancer Action, our yearon-year funding enables the Centre to do vital research. And as a hub it also attracts millions of pounds of additional funding. We couldn't have done this without your tremendous support. We'd like to take you on one of our regular tours to show you the facilities and give you an overview of the work being done.
With over 80 scientists, technicians and administrators the team is dedicated to improving the lives of women with ovarian cancer. This mission is made palpable with the location of the Ovarian Cancer Action Tribute Wall. Right at the heart of the Centre it's a constant and poignant reminder of why better treatments are needed urgently. To book a place on one of our tours, please call 0300 456 4700 or email leila@ovarian.org.uk
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Launching in October, the 'British Translational Research Ovarian Cancer Collaborative' (BriTROC) is the first ever nationwide effort to tackle the disease; and it offers real potential for the UK to take a lead in identifying better treatment options for women with ovarian cancer.
RECURRENT TUMOURS The main aim of BriTROC is to find out more about tumours that recur despite treatment. This is a major problem because in 70% of women with ovarian cancer the disease returns (compared with 22% in breast cancer) and their tumours eventually become resistant to platinum chemotherapy.
UK RESEARCHERS COLLABORATE TO FIGHT OVARIAN CANCER WHILE BRITROC MAY SOUND LIKE A TALENT SHOW FOR BUDDING POP STARS, IT IS IN FACT A NEW COLLABORATION IN THE BATTLE AGAINST OVARIAN CANCER, AND IT'S BEING FUNDED ENTIRELY BY OVARIAN CANCER ACTION
Professor Iain McNeish, co-chief investigator for BriTROC and Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at Bart's Cancer Institute
Very little is currently known about the biology of recurrent ovarian cancer and researchers need to find out if the genetic changes that occur in the original tumour are consistent when the cancer returns; and how the tumour alters as it develops resistance to chemotherapy.
DATA OVER TIME BriTROC aims to uncover more about cancer development by building up a database of information from tumour samples taken from women during the course of the disease. (Currently tumour samples are only taken from women when ovarian cancer is first diagnosed.) BriTROC funding – which comes entirely from Ovarian Cancer Action – will now enable eight centres around the UK to collect regular biopsies, creating a databank to allow researchers to study how tumours change over time. The centres initially involved are some of those where significant 'translational' research (that which links directly to applications for patients) is already underway, and includes Ovarian Cancer Action's Research Centre at Imperial College.
Please help us raise funds and awareness. Call 0300 456 4700 or visit www.ovarian.org.uk to find out more
summer 2012 | www.ovarian.org.uk
By Sophie Petit-Zeman
8 BRITROC CENTRES Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Imperial College, London
Bart's Cancer Institute, London
Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute Professor Iain McNeish at the parliamentary summer reception
WIN-WIN INNOVATION All BriTROC members are part of the Department of Health/ Cancer Research UK Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre Network, which allows BriTROC to utilise the NHS' infrastructure and expertise. In turn, the collaboration will provide vital knowledge and ultimately benefit women with ovarian cancer. It is a win-win solution. And indeed, the longer term aim is that more hospitals will become part of this crucial initiative, which plans to establish best practice in data collection.
TWO KEY HOPES Two of the key hopes for BriTROC are that it will help identify 'tailored' treatments for women with ovarian cancer, suited to their specific tumour type; and also that it will help researchers determine why some women become resistant to drug treatment and how this can be monitored.
'This collaborative gives us a unique opportunity to improve the outlook for women with ovarian cancer,' says Professor Iain McNeish, co-chief investigator for BriTROC and Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at Bart's Cancer Institute. 'Studying the changes in ovarian cancer tumours over time – and in detail – will help us understand why it stops responding to chemotherapy and help to develop new treatments.'
EQUAL FOOTING BriTROC will create a substantial sequential collection of tumour samples during the course of disease, and put ovarian cancer research on an equal footing with other areas of medical science which benefit from databases of this type. The project's significance was recognised in July, when it was selected to be showcased at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Medical Research summer reception, hosted by the
Pictures from APPG on Medical Research and Wellcome Images.
Association of Medical Research Charities in parliament. The reception set out to explain why medical data matter and how they can be best used to benefit patients, society and the economy.
ANOTHER CRUCIAL STEP BriTROC is another crucial step in the UK's journey to becoming a leading contributor in the fight against ovarian cancer. Gilda Witte, Ovarian Cancer Action's Chief Executive, says: 'We immediately recognised the importance of the BriTROC collaborative which is why we're funding it in entirety. 'Ovarian cancer is a horrible disease and it's vital we understand its complexity in order to combat its many challenges. Too many women die from it and we have to stop that. We implore women to come forward to participate in BriTROC and for more centres to join the collaboration.'
Christie Hospital, Manchester
Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow
Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre
Northern Institute of Cancer Research/ Northern Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Newcastle St. James's Institute of Oncology and Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, Leeds
SUPPORT OUR RESEARCH Projects like BriTROC depend on donations from supporters and fundraisers.
Donate online at www.ovarian.org.uk Donate using our form. (See page 15)
funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice
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KNICKERS! WALKATHONG 2012
It started in 2011 with a walk in the woods ‌ but this year's Walkathong went global. Cary Cochrane's second annual Walkathong took place on 1 July at the Ashridge Estate near Berkhamsted. And around the world, Cary's friends and Ovarian Cancer Action's supporters were also photographed in teal knickers to show their support. 'People seem to lose their inhibitions when they're wearing knickers over their trousers,' says Cary. 'From the Great Wall of China to the Golden Gate Bridge, wherever our teal knickers have been seen they've raised a smile. I never dreamt they could be such a powerful way to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.'
WALKATHONG 2013 WILL BE EVEN BIGGER – WATCH THIS SPACE! Please help us raise funds and awareness. Call 0300 456 4700 or visit www.ovarian.org.uk to find out more
summer 2012 | www.ovarian.org.uk
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OVARIAN CANCER ACTION
RESEARCH CENTRE LATEST UPDATE
This year we celebrate five years of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre. Over the five years we have invested £3.6 million in the Centre. This year we have committed to increase our funding to £850,000 for the year. Ovarian Cancer Action is incredibly proud of the ongoing achievements at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre; a collaboration which Ovarian Cancer Action established between Imperial College London Hammersmith Campus and the Royal Marsden/ Institute of Cancer Research. Our investment has enabled the Research Centre to seek £31.3 million additional income. It now houses 80 ovarian cancer research scientists – the largest concentration in Europe – and is widely seen as a global asset in the fight against the disease. The Research Centre was recently reviewed by a team of international thought-leaders in ovarian cancer, led by Professor Robert Bast (who discovered the CA125 test). Their report has encouraged us to increase funding to £850,000 this year. Recognising the complexity of ovarian cancer and the need for really innovative research, the Centre is focused on developing new approaches to treatment – led by the science, not by existing drugs on the market. This article looks at three main areas of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre's work that form the backbone of the research strategy for the next three years.
OPCML PROTEIN In our last newsletter we reported on the work being done to find out more about the activity of a protein called OPCML. The importance of this protein is that it is active in normal cells but inactive in some cancers, including ovarian, colorectal, brain, renal and lung cancers.
Please help us raise funds and awareness. Call 0300 456 4700 or visit www.ovarian.org.uk to find out more
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By Sophie Petit-Zeman
With additional funding from Cancer Research UK, and in collaboration with other international research centres, the team at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre will investigate the effect of OPCML when applied to tumours, and used in combination with other existing therapies with a view to increasing their effectiveness. One line of enquiry is whether OPCML could replace or complement chemotherapy treatment for certain sorts of ovarian cancer. Professor Hani Gabra, who leads the work, believes that it may be successful both in this condition and also other cancers, where up to half of all those affected could be helped by this new approach.
IMMUNOTHERAPY The second strand of work is the first collaboration between the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre and Bart's Cancer Institute in London, where Professor Frances Balkwill leads the
Centre for Cancer and Inflammation. The recipient of several awards, including an OBE for her contribution to the communication of science, Professor Balkwill will work with the Centre's Professor Henning Walczak to investigate how the body's immune system can be harnessed to fight cancer naturally. Professor Walczak has to date found a way of stimulating processes in ovarian tumours such that the cancer cells essentially kill themselves, whilst normal tissue is spared. Work of this sort – known as immunotherapy – is particularly complex precisely because of the challenge of targeting cancer cells but not healthy tissue. Professor Walczak's work is very encouraging because it utilises the body's natural defences to target cancer – a very attractive approach, in part because it avoids the severe side effects so often associated with conventional chemotherapy.
Professor Hani Gabra, Director, Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre
Meanwhile, Professor Balkwill has been investigating a complementary facet of this work, to see how cells and proteins involved in inflammation also encourage cancer cells to grow and spread; and hence understand how to damp this down. As she says, 'My work and that of Professor Walczak have terrific synergy and we're hopeful this collaboration will assist progress immensely.'
OBJECTIVE PRAISE Professor Jonathan Berek, Director of the Women's Cancer Centre, Stanford Cancer Institute, USA, is a member of the team that recently reviewed the last five years' work of the Centre and
its plans for the future. He commented: 'The strengths of the immunotherapy project are the outstanding investigators and the team they've assembled; their track record of productivity and quality of their work; the importance of the questions posed; and the translational nature of the work. The Principal Investigators of this programme are leaders in their respective fields and their collaboration is a major strength of this proposal.' Additionally, Ovarian Cancer Action is funding two post-doctorate researchers to work with Professors Walczak and Balkwill, adding to the pool of young talent already housed at the Research Centre.
Professor Fran Balkwill OBE, Barts Cancer Institute, Centre Lead, Centre for Cancer and Inflammation funding research | raising awareness | giving a voice
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By Sophie Petit-Zeman
that were previously chemotherapy-resistant. And as part of the collaboration they have conducted a successful Phase 1 clinical trial.
PLATINUM RESISTANCE
PROGRESS MADE
The third line of enquiry to be boosted by Ovarian Cancer Action's increased funding is the devastating phenomenon of platinum chemotherapy resistance.
The team at the Research Centre, led by Dr. Euan Stronach, has already identified how ovarian cancer cells generate platinum resistance, opening up the possibility of developing targeted treatment to reverse that process.
Resistance to platinum chemotherapy is a major problem. Ovarian cancer has a high relapse rate, with around two-thirds of women eventually becoming unresponsive to platinum chemotherapy. At this point they face the trauma of a recurrence of their disease and little in the way of further treatment options.
Indeed, using a compound developed by GlaxoSmithKline that affects cellular activity, the team has already demonstrated impressive re-sensitisation to platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer cells
If it is possible to overcome platinum resistance, women could be enabled to live with controlled ovarian cancer; and this work has important implications for many other cancers that behave similarly, such as pancreatic.
NEW PARTNERSHIPS This year's increase in funding to the Research Centre is in addition to the money we have committed to BriTROC (see page 6), and takes our total annual spend up to ÂŁ1 million. This figure enables Ovarian Cancer Action to apply for membership of the National Cancer Research Institute. This is a UK-wide partnership between government,
charity and industry which promotes co-operation in cancer research among member organisations for the benefit of patients, the public and the scientific community. Membership will assist us in our influencing work with policymakers to ensure we have the very best environment for ovarian cancer research in the UK.
THE NEXT FEW YEARS Ovarian Cancer Action's Chief Executive, Gilda Witte, says: 'The next few years look incredibly promising for ovarian cancer research, and we're determined to continue channelling as much money as possible into the Research Centre's work. 'None of this would be possible without our supporters and fundraisers, and we thank you so much for your ongoing help.'
Dr. Euan Stronach, Team Leader: Molecular Therapy Lab, Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre. Please help us raise funds and awareness. Call 0300 456 4700 or visit www.ovarian.org.uk to find out more
summer 2012 | www.ovarian.org.uk
As a cancer specialist working in Ovarian Cancer Action's Research Centre, Dr. Sarah Blagden not only gives chemotherapy treatment to women with ovarian cancer, but also provides support to them once they have finished it.
LIFE-CHANGING 'There's no doubt that treatment for ovarian cancer is life-changing,' says Dr. Blagden. 'Major surgery followed by a course of strong chemotherapy takes its toll, and recovery can be long and difficult. This can be for many reasons, not least because having cancer changes the way we see ourselves and the way we relate to others.' Once their treatment has been completed many women still have to deal with physical and emotional side-effects, and many understandably need continued support. They may worry about loss of fertility or have fears that the disease could re-occur. Some can experience depression, feelings of grief and loss of femininity. The psychosocial and psychosexual impact of ovarian cancer on patients and their families can be profound. But it is worth mentioning that, for many other patients, the experience of cancer can make them re-evaluate their lives in a positive way, although these patients are not in the majority.
LASTING SYMPTOMS Recently, Dr. Blagden completed a survey of patients who had been treated for ovarian cancer. She found that almost all had lasting symptoms of some sort after treatment, sometimes for many years afterwards. This has led her to look at the most commonly experienced symptoms to see if anything can be done to improve them, or prevent them occurring in others.
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THE SUBJECT OF SEX In the survey, only a small number of women who had received treatment for ovarian cancer in the past were having regular sex with their partners. Dr. Blagden says: 'From conversations we've had with our patients there are lots of reasons for this. Many greet our question with a snort of derision saying "I gave up on that years ago!" but, for others, ovarian cancer treatment has left a lasting (and negative) effect on their ability to enjoy sex. If this experience is shared by many, we need to explore what can be done about it.'
NEW SURVEY Lack of sex can be due to many reasons, from not wanting intimacy to not being able to have it. Now Dr. Blagden wants to examine the issues in more detail using a survey questionnaire that has been developed by a Clinical Psychologist specifically for patients with a diagnosis of cancer. 'Sex is an important part of life,' says Dr. Blagden. 'Hearing the experiences of women who've had ovarian cancer, or who are being treated for ovarian cancer will help us understand the issues. The questionnaire is confidential and quick to complete so I hope we'll get a good response.' If you have had ovarian cancer, we would be extremely grateful if you would consider filling out this questionnaire online. The results will help us to explore what can be done to improve women's lives for the better. The questionnaire does not ask for your name and it will remain strictly confidential.
BACK TO NORMALITY DR. SARAH BLAGDEN HAS BEEN LOOKING AT THE ISSUE OF 'SURVIVORSHIP' – THE JOURNEY BACK TO NORMAL LIFE AFTER CANCER
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE If you've had ovarian cancer please take part in our survey. Dr. Sarah Blagden
Visit our website at www.ovarian.org.uk/survey
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A JOURNEY FOR LIFE 'What an experience! It was a journey for life, not a bike ride,' says Angela Walker, one of Ovarian Cancer Action's Voices and a rider in the Women V Cancer Cycle Challenge in Kenya, which raised £262,807 for the charity. Organised on behalf of Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action, this was the first Women V Cancer challenge. It was originally planned that one group of women would cycle 400km (250 miles) through the Rift Valley, from the slopes of Mount Kenya to the shores of Lake Victoria. But the challenge caught so many people's imagination
WOMEN V CANCER
that eventually five separate groups did the journey. The route allowed the women to travel through some of the world's most spectacular scenery and see Africa away from the usual tourist trails. And at night they stayed in hotels where they could relax and enjoy each other's company.
INDIA
'Finishing the challenge was an odd mixture of excitement and sadness,' says Sandhy RobinsonJones. 'We had such fantastic support from the Kenyans, particularly the children who were always smiling and encouraging. More than that, I made some wonderful new friends. Raising so much money for Ovarian Cancer Action is the icing on the cake!'
CUBA
OCTOBER 2012 19-28 October 2012 – Fully Booked! 27 October - 5 November 2012 NOVEMBER 2012 9-18 November 2012
OCTOBER 2013 3-10 October 2013 – Fully Booked! 10-18 October 2013 21-29 October 2013
KENYA JUNE 2013 15-24 June 2013 Email c.sewell@ovarian.org.uk for more information or to book your place.
Michelle Shoulder and Sandhy Robinson-Jones
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We're looking for volunteers to help on our stand at the Vitality Boutique at Glow (Bluewater Shopping Centre) from 27-30 September – a slender, more exclusive version of Vitality Show. Volunteering gives free entry and plenty of time to see the show. Please call 0300 456 4700 or email elegge@ovarian.org.uk
Angela Walker
PETER PIRATEBUG 10% of the profits from each sale of Content and Calm's latest TravelBug will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Action. The new Peter PirateBug was designed by Joseph Piggot, aged 7, as part of a nationwide competition. It costs £4.99 and can be purchased online or from major toy retailers, including ToysRUs. Visit www. contentandcalm.com to find out more.
Please help us raise funds and awareness. Call 0300 456 4700 or visit www.ovarian.org.uk to find out more
summer 2012 | www.ovarian.org.uk
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SAVE LIVES AND THE ENVIRONMENT Our recycling experts will turn your unwanted items into donations to help us fund our vital research and awareness work.
POUNDS INSTEAD OF PENNIES
£1
Instead of pennies, our new recycling partner will give Ovarian Cancer Action £1 for most printer cartridges. It's such an easy way to make a donation! Call us today for a supply of Freepost envelopes.
DONATION
CDS AND DVDS
MOBILE PHONES
Please send your old music CDs, DVDs and computer games to us. They can all be recycled to raise money. And there's a free courier collection for more than 100 items.
It's estimated that each year in Europe over 100 million mobile phones are thrown away. We can recycle them to raise money, so please send them to us!
OLD BANGERS! Giveacar will collect old cars free of charge to sell by online auction, or recycle. Proceeds are donated to us and even scrapped vehicles give us an average of £100.
JEWELLERY Do you have any unwanted or broken gold, silver or costume jewellery? Or watches? They can all be recycled and turned into a donation to Ovarian Cancer Action.
For Freepost envelopes or to arrange a collection call us on 0300 456 4704
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PLEASE DONATE HELP US CONTINUE OUR VITAL RESEARCH AND AWARENESS WORK BY MAKING A DONATION CHEQUE: Please accept my cheque for £
made payable to Ovarian Cancer Action.
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DONATE BY TEXT: Simply text OVCA12 with your donation amount (for example OVCA12£5) to 70070.
MAKE SURE YOU GIFT AID YOUR DONATION If you pay UK income tax or capital gains tax, Ovarian Cancer Action can benefit from your donation if you complete the declaration below. It will increase your gift to us by £1 for every £4 donated.
■ I want Ovarian Cancer Action to treat all donations I have made since 6 April 2005, and all donations I make from this date of declaration until further notice as Gift Aid donations.
■ I confirm that I have paid/will pay sufficient tax to cover this payment and all other payments. Your signature:
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PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO US Cut off this form with scissors and post it in an envelope addressed to Ovarian Cancer Action, 8-12 Camden High Street, London NW1 0JH. If you have any questions please call 0300 456 4700 or email info@ovarian.org.uk – Thank you!
WHEN SIGHTSEEING ISN'T ENOUGH If you'd like to do more than sightseeing on your next holiday one of our fundraising challenges could be exactly what you need. You don't have to be an adrenaline-junkie to appreciate a challenge. But if you have a sense of adventure and would like to channel your energy for a good cause, we can offer you a range of exciting options. We have challenges available close to home, or in far-flung destinations. And you can choose one to suit your fitness levels, and your idea of a holiday!
Just a few
ACTIVITY IDEAS... Abseiling Archery Canoeing
Climbing Cycling Dog Sledding
Hiking Motorbiking Rafting
Running Sky Diving Walking
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