“Don’t be a drama queen.” It’s a phrase many women have heard and often one used to dismiss us. But when it comes to your health, maybe being a drama queen is exactly what you need to be. Trust your instincts, speak up, and never let anyone write off your symptoms as “just being a woman of a certain age.”

That’s just one of the conversation gems in this first episode of Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story. Host Hannah Vaughan Jones sits down with Clara MacKay, CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, and Sbba Siddique, ovarian cancer warrior and Director at Asian Star Radio in the U.K. Together, they share personal insights and global perspectives on ovarian cancer:

- Why ovarian cancer is the most lethal of female cancers

- The latest research findings and where the biggest gaps remain

- The critical role advocacy plays in changing outcomes

- How women everywhere can be empowered to speak up and be heard

Sbba also shares her own diagnosis journey-offering candid reflections on her symptoms, treatment, and what it really means to navigate care whilst juggling everything else in life.

⚠️ A note to listeners: This episode includes discussion of ovarian cancer symptoms and treatment side-effects. If you are newly diagnosed or supporting someone who is, please listen with care. Remember: every journey with ovarian cancer is unique. Always speak openly with your healthcare team about your symptoms, side-effects, and treatment options.

Clara MacKay is CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the only global advocacy organisation focused solely on ovarian cancer. Working with 230 patient advocacy organizations around the world, the Coalition is determined that everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life possible, no matter where they live. Clara has nearly 25 years of experience in cancer advocacy.

For more on the Socioeconomic Burden of Ovarian Cancer in 11 Countries study that Clara referred to, head to our website using the link here: https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/our-work/socioeconomic-burden-study/

For more on The Every Woman Study™ that Clara referred to, head to our website using the link here: https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/our-work/ewslmic/

Sbba Siddique is an ovarian cancer thriver, campaigner and women’s health advocate. She is a Director and Presenter at Asian Star Radio in the U.K.. Established in 2007, the award-winning radio station is dedicated to Asian music. You can learn more on their social media platforms @asianstarradio