You Have a PhD in You: Self-Advocacy, Ovarian Cancer & Integrative Care

16 Apr

Introducing: Gill

How do you find your voice when your body’s in shock and your world’s just turned upside down?
In this episode, Luan speaks with Gill Stannard, a naturopath and advocate who was diagnosed just hours after a GP visit—and found herself fast-tracked into surgery and chemotherapy before the shock had even worn off.

This is a powerful story of women’s health advocacy, integrative care, and navigating the real-world challenges of self-health advocacy during—and after—ovarian cancer treatment.

Gill shares what it took to reclaim her autonomy, advocate for herself, and find her place in a healthcare system that didn’t always make space for integrative care or informed 'pause'. From rushed chemotherapy decisions to unspoken menopause side effects, she opens up about what she learned, what she’d do differently—and what she wants others to know.

Whether you're mid-treatment, supporting a loved one, or reflecting on your own diagnosis, this conversation is full of real talk, practical wisdom, and the reminder that you know you—and that matters.

Your personal history of disease is a PhD in you—and it deserves to be heard!

In this episode:

What Gill wishes she could tell her newly diagnosed self
Why it’s OK to pause and ask for more time before starting treatment
How to advocate for personalised care
The challenges of talking about menopause, intimacy and side effects in gynae cancer care
Practical ways to approach complementary therapies safely and responsibly
Why open dialogue with your medical team is key—and how to start it

If you are on active treatment for cancer, please check all supplements with your oncologist, oncology pharmacist and/or integrative medicine physician.

Listen to Luan's episode with Liz O'Riordan where they talk about how important it is to talk to your healhcare team about complementary therapies your considering.

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