‘On The Down Low – speaking up about gynaecological cancer’ is an award-winning podcast brought to you by ANZGOG, that breaks the silence around some of the most under-recognised and underfunded cancers affecting women, by sharing the real stories of those living with gynaecological cancer.
Season 1: Ovarian cancers
Season 2: Uterine cancers, including endometrial cancer — featuring insights from leading medical experts.
Gynaecological cancer is an escalating health crisis. Every day 19 women are diagnosed. Over the past decade, incidence of has surged by 25%, making these cancers the third most commonly diagnosed and one of the deadliest cancers affecting women in today.
Each six-part season, hosted by Alison Dance, features raw and inspiring stories from women with a gynaecological cancer and their caregivers, who speak in intimate detail about the challenges of living with cancer, and make a powerful call for advocacy, awareness and change. Episodes explore the lived reality of gynaecological cancer, covering everything from symptoms and diagnosis, to treatment, relationships, finances, recurrence and advocacy.
This podcast comes with a content warning for anyone affected by cancer. If anything raises concerns for you, please reach out to a support service listed in the show notes. The podcast includes medical content but is not a substitute for professional health advice. Always speak to a trusted health professional if you have questions about your own health or care.
Cancer Council Information Line – 13 11 20
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our advocates featured in Season 1 (Ovarian Cancer) since the time of recording.
Vale Pauline, Liz (our volunteer photographer), and Clare. We are honoured to have shared their stories and are grateful that their voices continue to advocate for a better future for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. We celebrate their life, vitality, and enduring legacy.
S02.E06: Advocacy: What Women Need to Know (From a Patient and Clinician Perspective)
Uterine cancers are common, serious, and still too quiet — it’s time to speak louder. This episode examines public invisibility and stigma, what all women need to know about symptoms and self-advocacy, and the power of storytelling to influence policy, funding, and culture. Featuring lived experience voices from Shirley, Mina, Ann, Carley, Alex, Ali, Ruth and Jane, alongside expert insights from Professor Alison Brand AM, this episode amplifies patient voices and highlights the importance of ...
14 Oct 2025
S02.E05: Survivorship, Surveillance and Rehabilitation, Long-Term Side Effects
Survival is only half the story — living well after cancer is its own journey. This episode explores the long-term physical side effects of gynaecological cancer, including menopause and fatigue, and the emotional and identity recovery that follows treatment. We also cover exercise, rehabilitation, and tailored survivorship support. Featuring lived experience stories from Jane Snarkis (New Zealand) and Ann Johnson (Australia), alongside expert insights from Professor Alison Brand, this episod...
7 Oct 2025
S02.E04: Uterine Cancer (Challenges of Rare Cancer)
Rare doesn’t just mean statistics — it’s a lived experience of uncertainty and invisibility. This episode explores rare uterine cancer subtypes, the challenges in treating them, and the gaps in research, clinical trials, and funding. We also examine the emotional impact of misdiagnosis, delays, and being overlooked. Featuring lived experience stories from Ali and Jane, alongside expert insights from Professor Alison Brand AM, this episode highlights the critical need for translational researc...
30 Sept 2025
S02.E03: The Research, Treatment and Epidemiology
The science is advancing — but only if the system keeps pace. This episode explores emerging treatments for gynaecological cancer, including immunotherapy and targeted drugs, and examines disparities in access to clinical trials and advanced care. We also review epidemiological trends and the rising incidence of these cancers. Through lived experience stories from Alex and Rod and expert insights from Professor Alison Brand AM, we highlight the importance of supporting research and advocating...
23 Sept 2025
S02.E02: Surgery and Fertility Sparing / Considerations
A gynaecological cancer diagnosis shouldn’t take away the right to plan your future. This episode delves into surgical options and fertility considerations, highlighting minimally invasive versus open surgery, fertility-sparing treatments, hormonal therapy pathways, and the emotional and reproductive impacts of surgical decisions. Through lived experience from Mina and expert guidance from Professor Alison Brand AM, we explore how surgical innovations can support both health and future family...
17 Sept 2025
S02.E01: Prevention, Risk and Early Diagnosis of Uterine Cancers
On The Down Low – Season 2: it’s time to start talking about uterine cancers The body often whispers before it screams — and recognising those early whispers can save lives. In this episode, we explore the importance of listening to symptoms like abnormal bleeding, and the role of risk factors such as obesity, hormones, lifestyle, and genetic predispositions including Lynch Syndrome. Through lived experience stories from Carly and Ruth, and expert insights from Professor Alison Brand AM...
11 Jun 2022
S01.E06 What Women Want: Hope and Advocacy
Every year, 1700 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and less than half of them will survive five years after diagnosis. In this episode, we discuss hope, advocacy, and education initiatives that women are driving to make a difference to the lives of other women affected by ovarian cancer, both now and in the future. Ovarian Cancer Support Line: 1300 660 334
4 Jun 2022
S01.E05 Knife Edge: recurrence, research & clinical trials
Recurrence or cancer progression. It’s a seed of fear planted for many women after they finish ovarian cancer treatment. After a whirlwind of diagnosis and treatment, you finally catch your breath only to learn there’s a very real risk your cancer could come back. In this episode, we discuss moving forward when it comes to recurrence, research, and clinical trials. Ovarian Cancer Support Line: 1300 660 334
28 May 2022
S01.E04 Shades of Teal: Nuances of Ovarian Cancer
When it comes to treating women with ovarian cancer, it is not a one size fits all approach and there are several types of this disease. In this episode, we hear how people with all their wonderous differences experience ovarian cancer, including regional and working women; those with a rare ovarian cancer type or BRCA positive; and those with a little hope or those with a lot. Ovarian Cancer Support Line: 1300 660 334
21 May 2022
S01.E03 New Reality: Living with Cancer Changes Relationships
The impact of a cancer diagnosis extends far beyond the changes to one’s body. Along with the physical toll from surgery and treatment comes profound changes to one’s lifestyle and relationships. Ovarian Cancer Support Line: 1300 660 334
14 May 2022
S01.E02 Whiplash: Treatment and Side Effects
In our first episode, we heard about the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The gradual onset of fatigue, bloating, weight changes, and irregular bleeding. While the initial development of ovarian cancer is often covert, once it is identified, it is full steam ahead into treatment. For my mother, Pauline, and many others, that meant immediate major surgery. Ovarian Cancer Support Line: 1300 660 334
7 May 2022
S01.E01 Women's Intuition: Signs, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Welcome to season one of ‘On The Down Low – Speaking up about Ovarian Cancer'. It’s known as ‘the silent killer’ and when ovarian cancer is finally discovered, it’s usually in the very advanced stages. Why? There are many reasons – no early detection test, subtle symptoms, a lack of awareness… and maybe our reluctance to talk about vaginas. In this episode, Women’s Intuition – Symptoms & Diagnosis, we’ll share with you four very different stories of how women can come to discover they hav...
2 May 2022
Introducing On The Down Low
‘On The Down Low – speaking up about ovarian cancer' is a podcast featuring raw and inspiring stories from women with ovarian cancer and their caregivers, who speak in intimate detail about the challenges of living with cancer, and make a powerful call for advocacy, awareness, and change. Hosted by Alison Dance, the six-part season follows the arc of an ovarian cancer journey covering topics including symptoms and diagnosis, treatment and side effects, challenges with finances, relationships ...
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