This weekend on Drama on Newstalk a story of one woman living with ovarian cancer. "Whispers" is a drama telling the story of Jane, who through a series of misdiagnosis learns she has ovarian cancer.

Set in her bathroom, having been sick during her daughter’s sixth birthday party, Jane reflects on the journey from diagnosis to the present day. Echoing the stages of grief, Jane battles through misdiagnosis and the feeling of not being listened to, to finding friendship and humour in the most unusual of places. She challenges the familiar mantra of ‘keeping positive’ and in turn finds herself challenged to tackle the issues of intimacy, mortality, life and love.

According to the Irish Cancer society, around 410 women each year are diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in Ireland. It is the fourth most common cancer in women, tragically with a very high mortality rate due to the disease not being detected in the earlier stages. There is no screening for ovarian cancer in Ireland and the symptoms are so subtle they can be misinterpreted as something less sinister.

In her volunteer work with an ovarian cancer organisation set up by her sister following her own diagnosis, writer and producer Ruth Hayes says that she is coming across more and more younger women suffering from this disease. Having heard the incredible stories of their struggles to get a diagnosis and sharing in the laughter and the tears through ten years of being involved in the patient advocacy group, she felt compelled to tell this story in the hopes of raising awareness of the symptoms but also honouring the truth and realities of many people living with a cancer diagnosis.

"Whispers" was written and produced by Ruth Hayes. Directed by Eoin Ó hAnnracháin. Sound design by Ruth Hayes and sound engineer Warren Tivy. Cast Ruth Hayes, Claire J Loy and Shane Casey.

"Whispers" was made with a grant from the broadcasting Authority of Ireland through the Sound and Vision Scheme

Further resources. www.ovacare.ie www.cancer.ie www.emercaseyfoundation.com www.ovarian-cancer.ie

"Whispers" will air on Newstalk on Sunday February 27th at 7am and again on Saturday March 5th at 9pm and will be available as a podcast.