Today on World Ovarian Cancer Day, we pause to listen, reflect, and amplify the voices of those who have experienced ovarian cancer first-hand. At Cartherics, this day is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do – driving awareness and advancing new treatment options that offer real hope for women.

We’re honoured to share a Q&A with Heather Hawkins. Her deeply personal story speaks to resilience, the importance of recognising symptoms and the urgent need for innovation in ovarian cancer care.

What does World Ovarian Cancer Day mean to you personally?

World Ovarian Cancer Day – the 8th of May – has become a significant day in my calendar and every year I pause to reflect on my experience facing ovarian cancer, and how grateful I am for the skill and care of my medical team who played a vital role in saving my life. I also think beyond this, to other women diagnosed… and to honour and support them.

The day also provides a powerful prompt to have conversations about ovarian cancer and not shy away from the topic of gynaecological cancer and not be embarrassed. It’s a great chance to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms and to show our support for all those facing this diagnosis.

I think too, it’s a perfect opportunity to give a shout out to those developing new and innovative treatments for ovarian cancer, such as Cartherics. I am truly thankful for the work they do.

Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent disease.” Why is that?

Sadly, ovarian cancer is often referred to as a ‘silent disease’ as it frequently goes undetected, or unaddressed, in the early stages. The signs and symptoms can be quite general in nature, easily linked with other medical conditions, even explained away as beginnings of peri-menopause. Which means by the time that many women do make an appointment to see their doctor, their cancer has already progressed. Sadly, this is reflected in the survival rates here in Australia – currently only 49% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive beyond 5 years.

What are the key symptoms people should be aware of?

The key signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are unexplained fatigue, abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, unexplained weight loss or gain, urinary changes such as frequency or urgency, changes in bowel habits such as constipation, appetite loss or feeling full quickly or indigestion.

The point of difference here is if these symptoms increase and persist, particularly between periods, then please seek medical advice.

What was your experience with diagnosis, and what did you learn from it?

It’s been 19 years since our family doctor broke the news to my husband and I… It was a Monday afternoon, late February, 2007.

I’d noticed some signs and symptoms in the weeks leading up to that day – abdominal swelling, fatigue, heavy periods, urinary frequency.

More annoying, than alarming.

Besides, I could easily explain them away… I was a 41 year old mum of two, working hard, juggling life, convinced I was heading into peri-menopause.

But one morning when I reached for my favourite red skirt and wrestled with the zip, it was a tangible, irrefutable nudge to act.

So I made a medical appointment, and was referred immediately for a CT scan.

I’ll never forget my doctor’s words, the emotion in his voice as read the radiology report to us… “Heather dear… I am so sorry… the scan has revealed a complex tumour on your right ovary.”

In the time that it took – a matter of heartbeats and breaths – I knew my life would be changed forever…

From here, surgery was extensive, but it was lifesaving and for this I am deeply grateful, and I have recovered well.

I’ve reflected on this experience so much, and I’ve come to understand these things:

• How important it is to act when you notice changes in your health.
• Always put a practical plan in place when things seem beyond your control.
• Ask questions and collaborate with your medical team.
• Practice self care, prioritise rest and recovery and factor in gentle exercise.
• To give back and help others – advocacy and raising awareness and funds – this brings so much purpose to life.

And above all, it’s been a powerful reminder, that life is so precious indeed.

What role does research and innovation play in improving outcomes?

I really do believe that research, innovation and resilience are key components to creating significant change and achieving better outcomes.

And this is what Cartherics is all about. I see it in action. Over the past few years their team has been hard at work reimagining the way that ovarian cancer will be treated with their precisely defined immunotherapy.

Clinical trials will be starting soon and it gives me so much hope for the future.

What does meaningful progress on ovarian cancer actually look like to you?

In the 19 years that I’ve been in the ovarian cancer space, progress has been slow… survival rates have only improved by 1%. I’m often brought to tears just thinking about it.

So to me, meaningful progress looks like the creation of effective new treatments that will improve quality of life and overall life expectancy of women with ovarian cancer, even when diagnosed at advanced stages. This would change everything.

I see Cartherics are front and centre in developing immunotherapy treatments that will arm and enable the body to fight cancer. And that these will be affordable, easily available, support recovery and remission.

Real hope, real progress – I really long for that day.

What message would you like to share with women this World Ovarian Cancer Day?

I would love for women to have a clearer understanding of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and to seek medical assistance if they are experiencing them, even if they’re embarrassed or unsure of their relevance. You know your body best. You should act.

I would also like to add, that a pap smear only detects cervical cancer, not all gynaecological cancers.

I’d also encourage women to be familiar with their family medical history and potential health related risks – because being informed is empowering and lifesaving. Your health, your life, is so very precious. Live it well.