Teen's Death Fuels Call for Pediatric Cancer Law

A Scottish family is advocating for legislative change following the death of their 17-year-old daughter, Isla Sneddon, from breast cancer in March 2026. Isla was diagnosed in September 2024 with a rare sarcoma that had spread to her lungs and lymph nodes. Her parents, Mark and Michelle Sneddon, believe her condition went undetected for too long because her initial urgent referral from a GP in July 2022 was downgraded to routine due to her age.

Despite being told by her GP that a breast lump was likely benign hormonal changes, Isla's health declined over two years. After her late diagnosis, oncologists gave her six months to a year to live. The family endured six months of chemotherapy before Isla passed away in their arms in March 2026. They argue that if Isla had been treated as an adult, her cancer might have been caught earlier, potentially saving her life.

Isla's parents are now campaigning for 'Isla's Law' to mandate equal urgency and diagnostic access for child cancer referrals as for adults in Scotland. They also seek a formal review of pediatric diagnostic delays to identify and rectify systemic failures. The family is scheduled to meet with Health Secretary Neil Gray to discuss their petition, although they were informed a bill could only be introduced after a new government is formed.

NHS Lanarkshire stated that Isla's treatment followed expected clinical pathways, expressing deep sympathy for the family's loss. The Scottish government highlighted updated referral guidelines published in August 2025, which include a new pathway for children and young people, aiming to ensure timely and appropriate referrals.