06/02/2026
February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of a disease that is often diagnosed late and remains one of the deadliest cancers for women. In Australia, more than 1,700 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
This month, we’re sharing the story of Judy, who is living with Stage IV High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC), the most common and aggressive form of ovarian cancer.
From diagnosis to treatment and ongoing care, pathology has guided every stage of Judy’s journey.
It was pathology that confirmed her diagnosis, from tumour markers such as CA125 to specialised histopathology that identified her cancer as aggressive.
“Pathology has supported my health at every stage of my Ovarian Cancer journey.”
Since then, every major treatment decision has relied on pathology results. Judy’s treatment pathway, surgery, frontline chemotherapy, clinical trial enrolment and now maintenance therapy, has been shaped by blood tests, tumour markers and safety monitoring.
Throughout chemotherapy, pathology ensured she was safe to continue treatment. Full blood counts checked her immunity, liver function tests monitored organ damage, and iron studies tracked ongoing anaemia.
Today, in clinical trials and maintenance therapy, frequent blood panels and safety checks continue to guide her care. Blood tests determine whether she can receive chemotherapy, trial drugs or maintenance therapies. Tumour markers show whether treatments are succeeding or failing.
“Pathology is not an add-on for me, it is a lifeline that protects my health, allows ongoing treatment, and shows whether therapies are working.”
Do you have a story to share about how pathology has helped you?
We would love to hear from you: https://keeppathologybulkbilled.com.au/tell-us-your-stories/
Pathology. Essential for every health decision.
Ovarian Cancer Australia
