Paula Radcliffe Reveals Daughter's Cancer Diagnosis

Paula Radcliffe's daughter, Isla, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 13.

What happened?

Radcliffe initially dismissed Isla's symptoms, including stomach aches and loss of breath, as normal for a teenager. She thought the stomach aches were period pains and the tiredness was due to being a teenager. Isla was 13 when diagnosed, and is now 18, with annual scans and one ovary left.

Why it matters for Paula Radcliffe

Radcliffe's experience highlights the importance of recognizing ovarian cancer symptoms, with 90% of people unaware of the four main symptoms: persistent stomach pain, bloating, difficulty eating, and increased need to urinate. As a mother, Radcliffe found it hard to see her daughter go through chemotherapy, which started nine days after diagnosis.

What comes next?

Isla has been told by doctors that many people live with one functioning ovary, and Radcliffe is now raising awareness about ovarian cancer. According to Ovarian Cancer Action, 295,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually, making it the sixth most common form of cancer among women. Radcliffe and her husband Gary Lough, a former Northern Irish 1,500m runner, have two children, Isla and Raphael, 15. The NHS lists other symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, including indigestion, constipation, back pain, and sudden weight loss. Radcliffe's story emphasizes the need for awareness and prompt medical attention if symptoms persist.