On the Down Low – Speaking Up About Gynaecological Cancer
An award-winning podcast series by ANZGOG
On the Down Low podcast shares raw, powerful and inspiring stories from women living with gynaecological cancer and those who care for them. Hosted by Alison Dance, each six-part season explores the lived reality of gynaecological cancer—covering symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, relationships, finances, recurrence, and advocacy.
Through intimate conversations, guests speak candidly about the challenges of living with cancer and make a compelling call for greater awareness, advocacy and change.
Gynaecological Cancer – An Escalating Health Crisis
Gynaecological cancer is an escalating health crisis. Every day, 19 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer in Australia. In the past decade, incidence has surged by 25%, making these cancers the third most commonly diagnosed and among the deadliest for women today.
Unlike many other cancers, gynaecological cancers often grow silently during their most curable stage. By the time symptoms appear and a diagnosis is made, the disease is frequently advanced and incurable.
This podcast comes with a content warning. 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
Why We Created On the Down Low
On The Down Low was created by ANZGOG to help raise awareness about one of the most under-recognised and underfunded health crises affecting women today – gynaecological cancer.
At the heart of the podcast are the voices of those who’ve lived it. It’s a platform for women and caregivers to speak candidly about their experiences, challenge the stigma that often surrounds these cancers, and spark the conversation, awareness and change that’s so urgently needed.
By listening, you’re helping to break the silence.
“ For too long, women with gynaecological cancers have faced delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and inequitable access to the best treatment and care. These are our mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, and friends… we must do better.”
Professor Clare Scott AM, ANZGOG Chair & Medical Oncologist
About Us
ANZGOG is the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation in Australia and New Zealand. We foster and lead innovative, world-class multidisciplinary research to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer.
Our vision is clear:
Advancing research, saving lives.
Our growing network includes over 1,500 members across clinical, allied health, and pure research disciplines—alongside community representatives who ensure the voices of women with lived experience are at the centre of everything we do. For more information visit: anzgog.org.au.
WomenCan is ANZGOG’s fundraising arm. Through WomenCan, we invite individuals, families, and communities to play an active role in advancing gynaecological cancer research. Every dollar raised supports ANZGOG’s vital work—delivering better treatments, driving innovation, and providing hope to women today and for generations to come. To learn more about how you can support essential research into gynaecological cancer, visit womencan.org.au.
“ Beyond my own experience, my hope is that things are different for women in the future.”
Alex, diagosed with uterine cancer
Use your lived experience to make a difference
Do you or somebody that you know have a lived experience of gynaecological cancer?
ANZGOG’s Community Engagement Program delivers opportunities for people with lived experience of gynaecological cancers to contribute meaningfully and fosters a groundswell of action through our volunteers, to impact outcomes for women now and in the future.
