Earlier this month, we were delighted to host celebrated Bollywood and Netflix star Manisha Koirala at our offices in London. Manisha has written a book called ‘Healed’ about her journey with cancer and is currently riding high on the success of her latest role in the hit Netflix series Heeramandi.

Diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer over a decade ago, Manisha is now using her platform to support others with the disease and spotlighting critical issues such as health inequalities in the UK and beyond.  

Prior to her visit, Manisha said, "I want to use my voice to not only support cancer patients but to raise awareness about the need for equitable healthcare access and the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Having faced cancer myself, I know how isolating and challenging the journey can be, and I believe it is essential that we all play a part in changing that reality for others."

During her visit, Manisha met with Ovacome staff members to learn more about Ovacome’s work and shared experiences with Samixa Shah, and Preeti Dudaxia who both have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  

Reflecting on the visit, Victoria Clare, Ovacome CEO said, “It was a tremendous honour to welcome Manisha to our offices. We hear daily from those we support about the isolation they feel following an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Manisha’s decision to share her own experience is inspiring and will help so many amongst our community. Ovacome are firmly committed to making sure everyone has equitable access to diagnosis and treatment. It is a goal that we share with Manisha, and it has been fantastic to speak with her about this mission.”

Samixa, a Trustee of Ovacome said after the meeting, "My first contact with Ovacome was via the support line, who have consistently been there for me since my diagnosis. One of the reasons I became a Trustee of Ovacome is to make sure that the organisation reaches the South Asian population, as well as others who don’t have English as their first language. To have someone from this community helping to spread the word will have such an impact.”

Preeti, who has been a long-time supporter of Ovacome, told us the impact of having Ovacome as a place to turn, “My family supported me in every way possible, but I know that’s not always the case. When you’ve got so many emotions running inside, it can be really hard if you don’t have a place to express yourself. With Ovacome you can pick up the phone, talk things through, rant, rave, argue, whatever you want to do, get all your steam out. They’re there on the other side, listening all the time.”

How can you help?

If you’d like to help Ovacome’s work, there are a number of ways you can get involved:

Donate: Ovacome’s work is only possible thanks to our generous supporters. Any donation, no matter how big, or small, will support people affected by ovarian cancer.

Raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer: our B.E.A.T. signs and symptoms campaign materials are available in various community languages.

If you have been affected by ovarian cancer, our support team is here Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. For those who have English as a second language, our support line is also available in Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Gujarati, Mandarin, Polish, Punjabi and Urdu. You can call, text, email or message them online. Ovacome also runs a variety of online support groups and webinars to help you meet others with ovarian cancer, and learn more about the disease. Find out more about our support for you.