The heart-wrenching story of Isla Sneddon, a 17-year-old girl from Airdrie who succumbed to breast cancer, has ignited a call for significant reforms in the way urgent cancer referrals for children are handled in Scotland. Her parents, Mark and Michelle Sneddon, argue that had their daughter received treatment akin to what an adult would have been afforded, she might still be alive today.
A Life Cut Short
Isla’s journey began in July 2022 when she first visited her GP due to a lump in her breast. Despite her concerns, she was reassured that the lump was likely benign, attributed to hormonal changes. Mark Sneddon recalls the doctor’s diagnosis of a fibroadenoma, suggesting she would simply grow out of it. Tragically, two years later, Isla’s health deteriorated significantly, leading to an urgent referral for biopsies. However, her parents claim that this referral was downgraded to a routine appointment, delaying crucial diagnosis and treatment.
After ten weeks in hospital, Isla was diagnosed with a sarcoma that had metastasised to her lungs and lymph nodes. “The oncologist took us into a room and basically said, ‘your daughter is going to die, she’s got six months to one year to live,'” Mark recounted. In her final months, the family focused on making Isla’s remaining time joyful, even as her health continued to decline.
Advocating for Change
Following Isla’s untimely death in March 2025, her parents have been vocal advocates for legislative changes aimed at ensuring children and young people receive the same urgency in cancer assessments as adults. They are campaigning for “Isla’s Law,” which seeks to standardise referral times and diagnostic procedures for young patients. “If a child presents with a lump, anxiety symptoms, or other concerns, GPs should pursue a different pathway,” Michelle emphasised, highlighting the need for a shift in how paediatric symptoms are evaluated.
The Sneddons have also drawn attention to the recent introduction of “Jess’s Rule” in NHS England, which encourages GPs to reassess diagnoses after patients have visited multiple times with the same issues. This initiative, named after Jessica Brady who faced a similar battle, underscores the need for systemic changes to prevent such tragic outcomes.
Family’s Heartfelt Campaign
The Sneddon family has taken their advocacy further by delivering sweets to the Beatson cancer care centre in Glasgow, where Isla was treated. They hope to raise awareness about the need for prompt and thorough investigations into childhood cancer, which they believe is often overlooked due to misconceptions about age. “Isla was an outlier, but we want to ensure no other family goes through what we did,” Mark stated, acknowledging the rarity of her case but insisting on the need for vigilance in all similar situations.
The family is set to meet with Health Secretary Neil Gray to discuss their petition for reform. However, concerns have been raised about delays in legislative processes, as it has been indicated that a new government must be formed before any proposed bill can be introduced to Parliament.
Health Authorities Respond
In response to the Sneddon family’s concerns, NHS Lanarkshire has stated that Isla’s treatment was consistent with standard clinical pathways. “We have been in communication with the family and recognise the devastating impact of Isla’s loss,” said Arwel Williams, director of acute services. The health secretary also expressed his condolences, indicating a commitment to reviewing the recently updated Scottish referral guidelines, which now include specific protocols for children and young people.
Why it Matters
Isla Sneddon’s tragic story serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform in paediatric healthcare, particularly in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Her case highlights systemic issues that can lead to delays in critical care for young patients. By advocating for Isla’s Law, the Sneddon family is not only honouring their daughter’s memory but also striving to protect future generations from similar heartbreak. Ensuring that children receive the same level of urgency and thorough assessment as adults in medical situations could save lives and prevent families from enduring the profound grief that accompanies such losses.
