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Parents of 17-Year-Old Who Died of Cancer Press 'Isla's Law' Campaign, Meeting Set With Scottish Health Secretary

They want urgent paediatric referrals to carry the same maximum wait times as adult cancer cases.

Overview

  • Isla Sneddon found a breast lump at 15 and was told it was likely hormonal, and her parents say a biopsy referral at 17 was downgraded because of her age.
  • In summer 2024 she became seriously ill, spent about ten weeks in hospitals across Scotland, and was diagnosed before being transferred to the Beatson cancer centre.
  • Clinicians told the family the disease had spread to her lungs, heart and lymph nodes and gave a prognosis of six months to a year.
  • She underwent chemotherapy and died in March last year at age 17, and her parents have since launched a campaign for 'Isla’s Law'.
  • Their petition has more than 35,000 signatures, NHS Lanarkshire says care followed expected pathways, and officials highlight August 6 referral guideline updates for children and young people as the family prepares to meet Health Secretary Neil Gray next month.