Other support available
This page provides information on organisations working in the low-grade serous ovarian cancer field, as well as resources and support services offered by other more general charities.
If you are looking for information about support services provided by the LGSOC Initiative, please visit our support and resources page.
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Other low-grade serous ovarian cancer organisations
STAAR Ovarian Cancer
STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation is the first charity in the United States dedicated to funding research on effective treatments for low-grade serous ovarian cancer and improving outcomes for those diagnosed with it. Founded in 2020 by three women with LGSOC, the foundation is managed by a board of volunteers, half of whom are living with the disease.
Learn more on the STAAR website
Not These Ovaries
Not These Ovaries is an American-based nonprofit organisation founded in 2023, dedicated to rapidly funding research and trials for ovarian cancer, with a particular focus on the less-studied types of low-grade serous carcinoma and borderline ovarian tumours. Their approach guarantees that 100% of donations directly support immediate research and trials, while also providing transparent education and actionable information.
Learn more about Not These Ovaries
Let's Talk About LGSOC
The Let’s Talk About LGSOC website provides information about low-grade serous ovarian cancer. It’s an initiative of Verastem Oncology, an American biopharmaceutical company developing new treatment combinations for low-grade serous ovarian cancer. They have launched several important projects, including the Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Patient Impact Survey.
Learn more at Let’s Talk About LGSOC
Podcasts with connections to LGSOC
Living With Ovarian Cancer
Living with Ovarian Cancer is a podcast featuring inspiring stories from women affected by ovarian cancer and their loved ones. Each story is unique and presented in their own heartfelt words. The podcast is hosted by Diane Evanswood, a retired palliative care nurse specialist who is living with advanced low-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Ovashare
Ovarshare is a six-part series that shares the honest and sometimes heart-wrenching stories of survivors, those who have passed, and their families and friends.
It’s the final advocacy project of Kristen Larsen, an inspiring young woman who had low-grade serous ovarian cancer. In this series, Kristen interviews medical professionals and charities to gain insight into all aspects of ovarian cancer, from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment, raising awareness, and advocating for research funding.
Resources
The National Comprehensive Ovarian Cancer Guidelines
The NCCN guidelines are an American resource that gives a good overview of ovarian cancer.
About Herbs, Botanicals and Other Supplements
If you’re interested in complementary treatments, we recommend checking Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s “About Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Supplements,” as well as discussing your options with your doctor. The “About Herbs” site lists common over-the-counter medications and details possible interactions and side effects.
MD Anderson’s second opinion pathology service
Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial for receiving the most effective treatment for your cancer, but diagnosing LGSOC can be challenging. Seeking a second opinion can provide reassurance that you are on the right track. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, which helped develop the guidelines for diagnosing LGSOC, offers a second opinion service for pathology samples submitted by your pathologist or cancer clinician.
Survivors Teaching Students
This is a volunteer programme where people with a lived experience of ovarian cancer share their stories to educate future doctors and nurses to improve ovarian cancer diagnosis.
Local organisations offering the programme:
World Ovarian Cancer Coalition
The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC) is a global organisation dedicated to ovarian cancer. They collaborate closely with over 200 partner organisations, including the Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative.The WOCC established World Ovarian Cancer Day in 2013 and advocates globally for improvements to diagnosis and care.
The LGSOC Initiative received an Impact Award from the WOCC in 2021.
Find an ACT Therapy specialist
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychological treatment that research shows can benefit individuals with ovarian cancer. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Therapy provides an international directory of therapists who specialize in ACT.
Support services by country
Australia
Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA)
OCA is Australia’s ovarian cancer support charity. They offer a wide range of support services including their teal support nurse program.
Visit the Ovarian Cancer Australia website for more information.
Helplines:
- Ovarian Cancer Australia Helpline – 1300 660 334
- Health Direct (Health information and advice) – 1800 022 222
- Beyond Blue (When you need to talk to someone) – 1300 22 4636
Canada
Ovarian Cancer Canada
Canada’s ovarian cancer charity.
Visit Ovarian Cancer Canada to learn more about the support they offer.
Helplines:
- Healthline (Health advice and information)- 811
- 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (when you need to talk to someone)- 988
New Zealand
Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ)
OCFNZ is New Zealand’s ovarian cancer charity and the parent charity of the Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Initiative.
Visit OCFNZ to learn about the support we offer for women living with ovarian cancer in New Zealand.
Helplines:
- Healthline – 0800 611 116
- Need to Talk? – Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
United Kingdom
Ovacome
The UK’s ovarian cancer support charity.
Visit Ovacome to learn more about their support services.
Target Ovarian Cancer
An ovarian cancer organisation working across early diagnosis, research and support
Visit the Target Ovarian Cancer website to learn more about what they offer.
Medical Exemption Certificate
Information on applying for a Medical Exemption Certificate for people with cancer which gives access to free NHS prescriptions.
Helplines
- Ovacome (10-5, Monday-Friday, Tuesday until 8pm) – call 0800 008 7054 or text 07427390504.
- Target Ovarian Cancer (nurse led, 9-5:30, Monday to Friday) – 020 7923 5475
- Macmillan Cancer Support Line (offering a listening ear, nurse advice and financial advice, 8am-8pm 7 days a week) – 0808 808 00 00
- Samaritans (when you need someone to talk to 24/7) – 116 123
United States of America
SHARE Cancer Support
SHARE is a peer-led nonprofit organisation that provides support and information to people diagnosed with breast and gynaecological cancers.
They host a monthly zoom group for people diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer that is facilitated by a trained peer advocate.
Learn more about SHARE’s Zoom group
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is an ovarian cancer support charity.
Learn more about the support NOCC offers.
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance is a gynaecological cancer research charity.
Their services include a 1:1 counselling programme called Steps.
Visit OCRA to learn more about the services they provide
Helplines:
- Steps Through OC (free counselling, education and support for ovarian cancer patients) – 1 866 830 5134
- OCRA (cancer support Mon to Fri) – 1 212 268 1002)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7 when you need to talk) – 988
Other support:
- Cleaning For A Reason: This organisation offers up to two free house cleans for women undergoing cancer treatment.
- Houston Ground Angels: If you are flying to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Ground Angels offers transportation free of charge between the airport and medical centres.
- Harmony Hill Cancer Retreats: Online and in-person (in Washington) workshops and retreats are offered to people affected by cancer to support their wellbeing. Free and subsidised options are available.
- Gildas Club Cancer Support Community: Offers cancer support for patients and loved ones at locations across the US. Google to see if there is a club near you.
- First Descents: Provide life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18 – 39) who are impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.
- Patient Advocate Foundation: Offers assistance to help people access healthcare, including help for co-pays.
- Goodrx.com: Gathers current prices and discounts to help you find the lowest cost pharmacy for your prescriptions. GoodRx is 100% free. No personal information is required.