On The Down Low

Uterine cancers are common, serious, and still too quiet — it’s time to speak louder. This episode examines public invisibility and stigma, what all women need to know about symptoms and self-advocacy, and the power of storytelling to influence policy, funding, and culture. Featuring lived experience voices from Shirley, Mina, Ann, Carley, Alex, Ali, Ruth and Jane, alongside expert insights from P...

Survival is only half the story — living well after cancer is its own journey. This episode explores the long-term physical side effects of gynaecological cancer, including menopause and fatigue, and the emotional and identity recovery that follows treatment. We also cover exercise, rehabilitation, and tailored survivorship support. Featuring lived experience stories from Jane Snarkis (New Zealand...

Rare doesn’t just mean statistics — it’s a lived experience of uncertainty and invisibility. This episode explores rare uterine cancer subtypes, the challenges in treating them, and the gaps in research, clinical trials, and funding. We also examine the emotional impact of misdiagnosis, delays, and being overlooked. Featuring lived experience stories from Ali and Jane, alongside expert insights fr...

The science is advancing — but only if the system keeps pace. This episode explores emerging treatments for gynaecological cancer, including immunotherapy and targeted drugs, and examines disparities in access to clinical trials and advanced care. We also review epidemiological trends and the rising incidence of these cancers. Through lived experience stories from Alex and Rod and expert insights...

A gynaecological cancer diagnosis shouldn’t take away the right to plan your future. This episode delves into surgical options and fertility considerations, highlighting minimally invasive versus open surgery, fertility-sparing treatments, hormonal therapy pathways, and the emotional and reproductive impacts of surgical decisions. Through lived experience from Mina and expert guidance from Profess...

On The Down Low – Season 2: it’s time to start talking about uterine cancers The body often whispers before it screams — and recognising those early whispers can save lives. In this episode, we explore the importance of listening to symptoms like abnormal bleeding, and the role of risk factors such as obesity, hormones, lifestyle, and genetic predispositions including Lynch Syndrome.  Through live...

Every year, 1700 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and less than half of them will survive five years after diagnosis. In this episode, we discuss hope, advocacy, and education initiatives that women are driving to make a difference to the lives of other women affected by ovarian cancer, both now and in the future. Ovarian Cancer Support Line: 1300 660 334

Recurrence or cancer progression. It’s a seed of fear planted for many women after they finish ovarian cancer treatment. After a whirlwind of diagnosis and treatment, you finally catch your breath only to learn there’s a very real risk your cancer could come back. In this episode, we discuss moving forward when it comes to recurrence, research, and clinical trials. Ovarian Cancer Support Line: 130...

When it comes to treating women with ovarian cancer, it is not a one size fits all approach and there are several types of this disease. In this episode, we hear how people with all their wonderous differences experience ovarian cancer, including regional and working women; those with a rare ovarian cancer type or BRCA positive; and those with a little hope or those with a lot. Ovarian Cancer Supp...

The impact of a cancer diagnosis extends far beyond the changes to one’s body. Along with the physical toll from surgery and treatment comes profound changes to one’s lifestyle and relationships. Ovarian Cancer Support Line: 1300 660 334

In our first episode, we heard about the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The gradual onset of fatigue, bloating, weight changes, and irregular bleeding. While the initial development of ovarian cancer is often covert, once it is identified, it is full steam ahead into treatment. For my mother, Pauline, and many others, that meant immediate major surgery. Ovarian Cancer Support Line: 13...

Welcome to season one of ‘On The Down Low – Speaking up about Ovarian Cancer'. It’s known as ‘the silent killer’ and when ovarian cancer is finally discovered, it’s usually in the very advanced stages. Why? There are many reasons – no early detection test, subtle symptoms, a lack of awareness… and maybe our reluctance to talk about vaginas. In this episode, Women’s Intuition – Symptoms &...

‘On The Down Low – speaking up about ovarian cancer' is a podcast featuring raw and inspiring stories from women with ovarian cancer and their caregivers, who speak in intimate detail about the challenges of living with cancer, and make a powerful call for advocacy, awareness, and change. Hosted by Alison Dance, the six-part season follows the arc of an ovarian cancer journey covering topics...