Reach For The Scars: Stories That Changed the Conversation

What this episode covers

Every scar tells a story. Every story has the power to change the conversation.The Reach For The Scars campaign, launched for World Ovarian Cancer Day 2026, invited anyone impacted by the disease to share their scars and stories. It sparked a global conversation about ovarian cancer, generating more than 58 million impressions worldwide.In this episode of Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story, Host Hannah Vaughan Jones is joined by Jocelyn Pang from Ovarian Cancer Society Malaysia, Dr Shabnam Gujadhur - an ovarian cancer survivor and physician in Australia and Christel Paganoni-Bruijns, CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Together, they reflect on the stories behind the scars shared by women around the world and how those voices helped bring ovarian cancer into the spotlight.Jocelyn shares how her diagnosis arrived during a time of profound personal loss, and how sharing her scar became an opportunity to transform vulnerability into strength, hope, and connection. Shabnam discusses her experience as both a survivor and a clinician, and how her own journey has changed the way she listens to and supports her patients.The conversation explores the visible and invisible scars of ovarian cancer - from surgery and treatment to mental health, identity, relationships, and the challenges of survivorship. Christel explains why personal stories, combined with research and evidence, are essential to driving awareness, influencing policy and creating meaningful change.This episode celebrates the courage of women who shared their experiences as part of the Reach For The Scars campaign and shows how storytelling can change perceptions, challenge stigma, and ensure ovarian cancer is no longer invisible and impossible to ignore.--------------------------------------------------------------------During the conversation, Shabnam and Christel highlighted the ongoing need for greater support throughout the ovarian cancer journey, including mental health support. Findings from the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s Every Woman Studies revealed that just 28% of women had been offered support by a healthcare professional for their mental health.Dr Shabnam Gujadhur also discussed the importance of understanding the wider impact of ovarian cancer beyond treatment and survival. The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s Socioeconomic Burden Study examined the health, economic, and social impact of ovarian cancer and provides evidence to support action and policy change.Resources mentioned in this episode:World Ovarian Cancer Coalition – Every Woman StudiesThe Every Woman Studies explores the experiences, needs, and challenges faced by women living with ovarian cancer, including diagnosis, treatment, support, and quality of life.World Ovarian Cancer Coalition – Socioeconomic Burden StudyThis study highlights the wider impact of ovarian cancer on women, families, healthcare systems, and economies, helping to inform advocacy and policy change.If anything in this podcast episode has affected you and you would like to speak with someone, please contact your local ovarian cancer patient group. You can find ovarian cancer organisations by country through the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

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