Could Our Daughter's Breast Cancer Symptoms Have Been Ignored Because She Was a Child?

The tragic case of Isla Sneddon has reignited the debate over paediatric cancer treatment in the UK, highlighting the urgent need for reform to ensure that children receive the same level of urgent care as adults. Isla’s parents, Mark and Michelle Sneddon, argue that their daughter, who died at just 17 years old, could still be alive if her symptoms had been taken more seriously and treated without delay. They are now advocating for "Isla's Law," aimed at improving diagnostic protocols for young patients.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The recent tragic loss of Isla Sneddon has prompted a call for urgent reforms in the treatment of paediatric cancer patients in Scotland. Isla's parents allege that her referral for diagnostic tests was downgraded due to her age, leading to a fatal delay in her treatment. In response, they are seeking legislative changes to ensure that young patients receive the same priority in cancer treatment as adults. The Scottish government acknowledges the need for improvements and is engaging with the family to discuss their petition for Isla's Law.

Key takeaways

Isla Sneddon died from breast cancer at 17, six months after her diagnosis.
Her parents claim her referral for biopsies was downgraded due to her age.
They are campaigning for "Isla's Law" to ensure urgent paediatric referrals receive the same treatment timelines as adults.
The Scottish government has published new cancer referral guidelines as of August 2023.
The family is also advocating for a formal review of paediatric diagnostic delays in Scotland.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of Isla Sneddon's case illustrates a series of critical events that led to her tragic outcome:

July 2022: Isla first visits her GP with a breast lump, initially dismissed as benign.
September 2024: After worsening symptoms, Isla is diagnosed with cancer following an urgent referral that was downgraded.
March 2025: Isla passes away after fighting cancer for six months, surrounded by her family.
August 2023: The Scottish government publishes new cancer referral guidelines that include provisions for children.
October 2023: Isla's parents prepare to meet with Health Secretary Neil Gray to discuss their petition.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Isla's parents are set to meet with Health Secretary Neil Gray to discuss their concerns and the possibility of legislative changes. The Scottish government has recognised the need for improved referral guidelines, especially for children, in light of Isla's case.

What was already established

Previously, there were concerns regarding paediatric treatment pathways, with some arguing that children do not receive the same level of urgent attention as adult patients. The Sneddon family's experience has highlighted systemic issues within these pathways, particularly regarding how symptoms are assessed based on age.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Isla's story reflects broader implications for families across the UK facing similar health challenges. The call for "Isla's Law" aims to ensure that children are not overlooked in the healthcare system, potentially improving outcomes for young patients diagnosed with serious illnesses.

Businesses and jobs

Healthcare providers, including NHS trusts, may need to adjust protocols and training for GPs and specialists to ensure that paediatric patients receive timely and appropriate care. This could involve additional resources and training for healthcare professionals, impacting employment within the sector.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish government is under pressure to review and reform paediatric cancer referral processes. The outcome of Isla's family's petition could lead to significant legislative changes, potentially setting precedents for how young patients are treated in the UK.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of years Isla fought her illness after her initial diagnosis.
6: The months Isla lived following her cancer diagnosis.
3: The number of symptoms Isla presented with that were dismissed as anxiety.
20: The number of times Jessica Brady, whose case inspired 'Jess's Rule', visited her GP before being diagnosed with cancer.
10: The weeks Isla's referral for biopsies was delayed, contributing to her late diagnosis.

Definitions and jargon buster

Paediatric: Relating to the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
Oncologist: A doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Fibroadenoma: A benign (non-cancerous) breast tumour commonly found in young women.
Referral guidelines: Protocols that dictate how and when patients should be referred to specialists for further evaluation and treatment.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Isla's family will meet with Health Secretary Neil Gray to discuss their petition and concerns. This meeting could result in immediate discussions about potential legislative action regarding paediatric cancer treatment.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the government considers the Sneddon family's petition, there may be a push for public consultations to gather broader input on paediatric treatment guidelines and cancer referrals.

Signals to watch

Responses from Health Secretary Neil Gray regarding the Sneddon family's petition.
Updates on any new legislation or guidelines from the Scottish government concerning paediatric cancer treatment.
Public and media reactions to the Sneddon family's campaign, which could influence political discourse.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about changes in local healthcare policies regarding paediatric treatment.
Encourage open communication with healthcare providers about any concerns regarding children's health.
Advocate for timely referrals and thorough examinations if symptoms persist.

Don’t

Don't dismiss symptoms based solely on age; advocate for comprehensive assessments.
Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if you believe a diagnosis is incorrect.
Don't ignore changes in your child's health; early intervention can be crucial.

Checklist

Ensure your child receives regular health check-ups.
Document any concerning symptoms and their duration.
Familiarise yourself with local referral guidelines and processes.
Engage with community health resources and support groups.
Stay proactive in discussions with healthcare providers.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Isla's case highlights significant issues within the paediatric healthcare system, it is essential to note that not all children presenting similar symptoms will face the same outcomes. The rarity of certain conditions can lead to misdiagnoses, and further research is needed to fully understand systemic failures in paediatric diagnostics. Changes to guidelines and practices may take time to implement, and there may be resistance within healthcare systems to alter established protocols.

Bottom line

The tragic story of Isla Sneddon underscores the urgent need for reform in how paediatric cancer cases are assessed and treated. As her family advocates for "Isla's Law," their efforts could pave the way for significant improvements in the healthcare system, ensuring that no other family has to endure such a heartbreaking loss. Ongoing discussions and potential legislative changes could reshape the future of paediatric cancer treatment in the UK.

FAQs

What is Isla's Law?

Isla's Law is a proposed legislative change that aims to ensure children and young people in Scotland receive the same urgent referrals and diagnostic tests for cancer as adults, addressing disparities in treatment.

How did Isla Sneddon's symptoms get misdiagnosed?

Isla's symptoms were initially dismissed as benign hormonal changes, and her referral for further testing was downgraded due to her age, delaying her cancer diagnosis.

What are the new cancer referral guidelines in Scotland?

The updated guidelines, published in August 2023, include provisions for children and young people, aimed at ensuring timely and appropriate referrals for suspected cancer cases.