I am a clean-eating personal trainer battling ovarian cancer at 30. A gut feeling saved my life after my tell-tale symptom was brushed off

When it comes to the epitome of health and wellness, personal trainer Gemma Henly ticked every box.

A self-confessed gym-junkie, homebody and clean-eater, Gemma, from Burleigh Waters, Queensland, had spent her twenties training and inspiring women to be the best and strongest version of themselves they could be.

That was until, at aged 30, her life came to a complete standstill; she was handed an ovarian cancer diagnosis that turned everything she’d worked so hard for upside down.

‘The thing that I originally went to the GP about was my menstrual cycle,’ Gemma told FEMAIL.

‘I was just bleeding for a couple weeks at a time for three of my cycles. I’m pretty in tune with my body. This was not normal for me.’

Upon mentioning to her GP, Gemma’s symptoms were overlooked and simply put down to a recent bout of sickness, with nothing alarming to note.

However, over the following two months, her bleeding got worse and that’s when Gemma knew she had to press for further answers.

‘I went to a different GP, and I’m very grateful that she took it more seriously and said “okay, let’s just get an ultrasound to rule out anything possible”,’ she recalled.

‘Unfortunately, or fortunately I guess, we found it (the cancer) and that started a cascade of more tests.’

In February 2025, Gemma’s blood tests and pelvic ultrasound revealed she had abnormal growths on both of her ovaries.

‘It was surreal, but I think you just go into shock,’ she said.

‘My gynaecologist had emailed to say to bring a support person to my appointment. So, I think instantly you know it’s not going to be good news.’

With no family history of cancer, a clean bill of health and already being up to date with her cervical screening tests, it was the last thing Gemma thought she’d hear.

The doctors knew time was precious, and although immediate surgery was crucial, there was another factor they had to consider – and that was children.

‘I was referred to a gynaecological oncologist who was the surgeon, to explore all avenues as to whether there was any chance we could preserve my fertility,’ she said.

‘There was hope that we could potentially preserve my uterus so even if I couldn’t use my own eggs, I could potentially look at like a donor egg option in in the future.’

Sadly for Gemma, further tests, biopsies and keyhole surgery revealed the cancer had spread to her uterus too.

Gemma’s ovarian cancer was found at Stage 1C and the cancer in her uterus was Stage 1A, which is early, but still very serious.

At the beginning of March 2025, surgeons performed a total hysterectomy, removing her uterus including both of her ovaries and fallopian tubes.

‘I think it’s something that I probably won’t process properly for a little while. I wasn’t actively trying to have a family right now, but it’s something that I wanted for my future,’ she said.

Gemma, who has been with her partner for three years said she’s dealt with ‘lots of emotions’ around the heartbreaking decision that has robbed her of carrying a child.

‘He’s been a rock. I’m very, very lucky in that respect,’ she said.

With just four weeks recovery, Gemma was straight into her chemotherapy treatments where she has now completed two rounds.

Although a long road to recovery awaits her, Gemma is still focused on her fitness and trying to move her body every day.

‘They say it really helps with your side effects, too, plus from a mental and emotional point [of view] it’s really important to try and stay as active as I can,’ she said.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and help from her wellness community in Burleigh and beyond, Gemma will finish chemo over the coming months and has bravely shaved her head in preparation.

You can donate to Gemma’s campaign via the link in the bullet points at the top of this article.