Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Subtle but Important Symptoms

March 12, 2026

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, helping raise awareness of a cancer that can be difficult to detect in its early stages. Because symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for other conditions, knowing what to look out for — and seeking medical advice early — is vital.

At Chelmsford Private GPs, we support women at every stage of life through our dedicated women’s health services, including assessment of symptoms that could be linked to ovarian or other gynaecological conditions.

Symptoms to Look Out For

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often persistent rather than occasional. Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent bloating
  • Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
  • Persistent nausea
  • Persistent indigestion or heartburn
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Needing to urinate more urgently or more often

Other possible symptoms include:

  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Back pain

If these symptoms occur most days and last for several weeks, it’s important to get checked.

How Chelmsford Private GPs Can Help

Women’s Health Services
We provide private, confidential assessments, including detailed symptom review, pelvic health checks, and blood tests where appropriate. If needed, we can arrange fast referrals for scans or specialist gynaecology review. Our aim is early investigation, reassurance, and quick access to further care if required.

We also support wider women’s health concerns, recognising that symptoms can overlap with many common conditions.

When to Book an Appointment

Consider booking if you experience ongoing bloating, pelvic pain, urinary changes, or unexplained changes to appetite or weight — particularly if symptoms are new, persistent, and frequent.

We’re Here to Support You

At Chelmsford Private GPs, we provide supportive, discreet care through our women’s health services. If you’re worried about symptoms or want to discuss your gynaecological health, our team is here to help.


Written By Yenushka Abeyratna
Dr Abeyratna graduated from the University of Warwick Medical School in 2008. She completed her foundation training at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals in London and thereafter at East Sussex NHS Trust. During some of this period, she carried out research at the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Assisted Conception Unit. She qualified as a GP in 2016. She can consult in all areas of medicine and has a wide breadth of medical knowledge and experience. She has a special interest in mental health, chronic and acute medical problems, the perimenopause/menopause, sexual health and gynaecological problems.Dr Abeyratna is passionate about General Practice and prides herself in listening to the needs of her patients, thereby providing holistic, patient centred care.
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Chelmsford Private GPs is a friendly and experienced trio of Private GPs that are passionate about delivering accessible, high-quality person-centred care from their Chelmsford clinic.

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Phoenix Hospital
Essex Healthcare Park
West Hanningfield Rd
Great Baddow
Chelmsford 
CM2 8HN

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Phoenix Hospital, Great Baddow, Chelmsford

Tel:
01245 203 838

Email:
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Chelmsford Private GPs are a trading name for Private GP Partnership, registered in England with a company registration number of 14763084. Our registered address is 146, New London Rd. Chelmsford. CM2 0AW.
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