Pauline

Pauline was diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries/endometrial lining in 2016. She was asked to take part in the 100,000 Genomes Project when she was receiving treatment. She is keen to be involved in something that can help and is happy for her genomic information to be used.

Pauline was diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries/endometrial lining in 2016. In 1966 she had a positive smear test and had her womb cauterised. After this she had yearly smear tests which all came back clear. But last year she noticed a funny discharge and went to her doctors who referred her to the hospital. Pauline says that things moved very quick and she had a hysterectomy the following month.
Pauline decided to take part in the 100,000 Genomes Project after she was told about the project by the hospital doctor. Pauline was happy to take part saying if it’ll help, I’ll do it. The doctor explained what the project was and gave her a number of leaflets explaining the study in greater detail. While Pauline didn’t always understand what the doctor was saying, she thinks genomics is an interesting subject.

She hopes that genomic research may improve the prevention and early identification of diseases such as cancer. Pauline gave a blood sample, and a sample of her tumour was taken during her operation. Pauline felt comfortable with signing the consent forms and trusted the process.

She was told that she would be contacted from time to time, however she does not expect to hear back about results. Pauline encourages others to go for it and get involved in the project.

Pauline doesn’t expect to hear back and doesn’t mind.

Age at interview 84

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 83

Although she isn’t sure if the woman who asked her was a doctor, Pauline was very happy to be able to help with the research when it was mentioned before her operation.

Age at interview 84

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 83

Two medical professionals spoke to Pauline about the project and explained it to her. She didn’t understand some of what was said but was happy to help others.

Age at interview 84

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 83

Pauline is used to having regular blood tests because she is taking methotrexate for her arthritis, so she didn’t mind giving a blood sample for the 100,000 Genomes project

Age at interview 84

Gender Female

Age at diagnosis 83