What happened to Isla Sneddon?

Isla Sneddon was a 17-year-old who died of breast cancer after her initial symptoms were dismissed by doctors as hormonal changes, leading to a delayed diagnosis.

What is 'Isla's Law'?

'Isla's Law' is a proposed legislative change championed by Isla Sneddon's parents, which would require urgent paediatric referrals to have the same maximum wait times as adult cancer referrals.

What action has been taken regarding paediatric cancer referrals in Scotland?

Updated Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer, including a new guideline for children and young people, were published on August 6, 2026, aiming to ensure timely referrals.

Home / Health / Teen Dies After Doctors Missed Cancer Lump

Teen Dies After Doctors Missed Cancer Lump

28 Jan

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Summary

Doctors dismissed a 17-year-old's breast lump as hormonal changes.
Referral for a biopsy was downgraded due to her young age.
Parents now campaign for 'Isla's Law' to change referral protocols.

Teen Dies After Doctors Missed Cancer Lump

A 17-year-old girl, Isla Sneddon, lost her life to breast cancer after medical professionals initially attributed a lump she found at age 15 to hormonal changes. This dismissal, compounded by a downgraded biopsy referral due to her age, meant a critical delay in diagnosis.

By the time Isla was diagnosed, her cancer had metastasized to her lungs, heart, and lymph nodes. Her family was informed she had only six months to a year to live. Despite receiving care in various Scottish hospitals, the cancer was too advanced for effective treatment.

Isla's parents, Mark and Michelle, are now campaigning to establish 'Isla's Law.' This proposed legislation aims to mandate that urgent paediatric cancer referrals be subject to the same maximum wait times as adult referrals. They believe this change could prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak.