Imagine facing the unimaginable: the loss of a child due to a medical system that seemingly overlooked her symptoms simply because she was young. This heartbreaking scenario is the reality for the parents of 17-year-old Isla Sneddon, who tragically lost her battle with breast cancer in March 2025, merely six months following her diagnosis. Her parents firmly believe that had she been treated with the same urgency as an adult, she might still be alive today.
Isla, hailing from Airdrie, first visited her GP in July 2022 after discovering a lump in her breast. However, instead of immediate concern, she was reassured that it was likely benign and attributed to hormonal changes. "The doctors told her it was a hormonal issue—a fibroadenoma—and that she would eventually outgrow it," recalled her father, Mark Sneddon.
Fast forward two years, Isla's health deteriorated, prompting her parents to take her to the hospital, where doctors suspected cancer and initiated an urgent referral for biopsies. Yet, alarmingly, this referral was downgraded by the clinic based solely on her age, leading to critical delays in diagnosis. After an agonizing wait of ten weeks in September 2024, Isla was finally diagnosed with cancer, revealing a sarcoma that had aggressively spread to her lungs and lymph nodes.
"The oncologist took us into a room and bluntly stated, 'Your daughter is going to die; she has six months to a year to live,'" Mark recounted. "Isla didn’t want to know the details; she just wished to enjoy life to the fullest. She was such a gentle spirit, and everything we did revolved around making her happy."
Mark shared how he had always looked forward to guiding Isla through milestones like learning to drive and acquiring her first car—dreams that were tragically dashed. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, Isla's condition worsened, and in March 2025, she found herself back in the hospital. Mark described the gut-wrenching moment when doctors informed them that Isla was the most critically ill patient in the hospital, with needs too complex for her current ward. Even then, her parents held onto hope.
Sadly, the day came when they received the devastating news that nothing more could be done. "We watched her endure six months of chemotherapy, and in the end, she passed away right in our arms, looking healthy and beautiful," Mark shared, his voice heavy with sorrow.
Reflecting on their ordeal, Mark and Michelle Sneddon are now advocating for a legislative change known as Isla's Law. Their aim is to ensure that children and adolescents receive the same prompt evaluation and access to diagnostic tests as adults do when presenting similar symptoms. They are also calling for a comprehensive review of pediatric diagnostic delays across Scotland to pinpoint systemic failures and implement much-needed reforms.
Michelle emphasized the frustration of having Isla’s concerning symptoms often dismissed as mere anxiety due to her age. "Later, we were informed by hospital staff that she did not actually have anxiety; instead, it was a manifestation of the cancer. If a child presents with a lump along with anxiety symptoms or other issues like chest infections, the GP should follow an alternative protocol rather than the standard guidelines," she argued.
She believes the cancerous tumor could have been silently growing beneath the fibroadenoma, gradually spreading until it became untreatable. A more thorough investigation, possibly involving a mammogram or scan, might have saved Isla’s life.
Although Isla may have been an outlier in terms of her diagnosis, the Sneddons are resolute in their mission to prevent other families from experiencing such heartache. Mark expressed, "While most children with similar symptoms are likely fine due to their youth, I never want another parent to suffer the way Michelle and I have."
The Sneddon family is gearing up for a meeting with Health Secretary Neil Gray to discuss their concerns and push for legislative action. However, they have been informed that any potential bill may have to wait until a new government takes office.
In response to the family's heartfelt plea, Arwel Williams, the director of acute services at NHS Lanarkshire, acknowledged the profound sorrow Isla’s family has endured, stating, "Our team has been addressing the family's concerns through communication and meetings, ensuring them that Isla’s treatment followed expected clinical pathways. Nevertheless, we deeply empathize with their loss and remain committed to providing ongoing support."
The health secretary expressed his condolences, stating, "I wish to convey my deepest sympathies to Isla Sneddon’s family during this incredibly difficult time. I look forward to discussing their petition and concerns further. We published updated Scottish cancer referral guidelines on August 6, which include new protocols specifically for children and young people, aimed at ensuring timely and appropriate care."
This tragic story raises significant questions about healthcare practices regarding young patients. What changes do you believe should be made to prevent such oversights from occurring in the future? Join the conversation in the comments.
