Vikki was diagnosed with cervical cancer shortly after turning 25 years old. She was referred to The Royal Marsden where she underwent surgery and was then cancer free for four years. However, at her five-year scan, her results showed as abnormal.

I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in January 2023. I was devastated just by the word cancer, as I think we all are when we hear it.

Whatever way you look at it, a hysterectomy is a big thing but to me when a total hysterectomy was the next option I didn’t have to think about it at all. 

If you are concerned about your symptoms and you are continuing to be dismissed, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself as you know your body better than anyone.

58-year-old Nicky was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2022, eight months after she'd had surgery to remove a mass from her abdomen.

Louise was diagnosed with vulval cancer for the first time when she was just 27 years old. She was treated successfully but the cancer returned 16 years later, in January 2023.

We must encourage women to talk openly about their gynaecological health, to raise awareness and understanding of the five gynae cancers and to appreciate what feels right for their bodies.

I am passionate about spreading the message about ovarian cancer symptoms as I had no idea what they were.

Kay died at home next to her husband Steve, on 4th June 2021 - she left two children Ollie (8 at the time) and Daphne (7).

‘sadly, there is a stigma to having dialogue on gynaecological matters. I did not tell several friends, family or colleagues about my diagnosis as I was too embarrassed of open dialogue on the topic. Talking about and understanding the symptoms of the 5 gynae cancers will save lives.’

The following story of a woman’s experiences of vulva cancer has been shared with us anonymously.

In the months leading up to my 22nd birthday in December 2019, my life consisted of piling onto packed, sweltering trains for work, leg-burning cardio sessions and enjoying the hustle and bustle of London’s vibrant city life…

My story starts back in 2003. I’m living the student life at Cardiff University, and am right in the middle of second year exams.

In June 2015, aged just 32, Natalie Hickton was given the devastating news that she had cervical cancer.

In March 2019 my life changed forever. I had noticed some changes to my periods. They had become a lot heavier and painful. I had also started getting lower back pain and feeling tired all the time.

When I got my diagnosis my first thought was, at last I can get some help now. The Royal Marsden is so special. I felt listened to and the team took me seriously. I knew I was in safe hands and that they were going to help me.

Heather is on the ATARI trial, led by Dr Susana Banerjee at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The trial is part-funded by The Lady Garden Foundation.

I am twenty, and I was diagnosed with Germ Cell Ovarian cancer in 2019. This cancer typically impacts young people between the ages of 17-30.

Being ill took a lot from me and changed my life drastically, but I believe life is what you make of it and I’d like to say cancer has changed me for the better.

Worrier To Warrior — One Woman’s Climb Up The Mountain Of Survival

Lady Garden Foundation friend and warrior Laura Moses, has created a video on the subject of ‘Scanxiety’ to share with you all.