When Janet Allen was diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) in late 2025, the news came completely out of the blue.
At 74, she was fit, active and regularly spending long days walking in the mountains of Scotland. She had no symptoms apart from a small lump above her belly button, which she assumed was a hernia.
Her diagnosis of LGSOC was confirmed, following a biopsy of the umbilical lump. The treatment plan included significant surgery. Given how well she felt and the extent of the surgery being recommended, Janet was seriously considering refusing it. Then she met her surgeon, who took the time to sit down with Janet and have detailed discussions about her diagnosis and treatment. He strongly recommended surgery as her only option, helping Janet understand why it was worth undergoing such a major operation despite feeling so well.
Because LGSOC is a rare subtype of ovarian cancer, Janet knew it was important to have specialist input. After her surgery, in March 2026, she connected with Professor Charlie Gourley, a leading LGSOC specialist at the University of Edinburgh. He is now the oncologist Janet sees every three months.
In February 2026, Janet underwent a nine-hour debulking operation, including a bowel resection and splenectomy, followed by several days in intensive care.
The recovery wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Her surgeon believed all visible cancer had been removed, although a Stage 4B diagnosis means ongoing monitoring will be part of Janet’s new normal. Janet connected with Professor Charlie Gourley, a leading specialist in LGSOC at the University of Edinburgh. Having access to specialist expertise has been an important part of Janet’s ongoing care, and Professor Gourley is now the oncologist she sees every three months.
Just 14 weeks after surgery, Janet was back in the hills. More recently, she completed a nine-hour walk, climbing three Munros in Glencoe. Today she takes letrozole each day, but is otherwise back living the life she loves.
“I feel completely well and back to normal,” she says.
Looking back, Janet has one message for others facing an LGSOC diagnosis: if you are well enough, don’t be afraid of surgery.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she says. “But it gave me the chance to get back to living my life.”
