Paula Radcliffe urges parents to stay alert after missing signs of her daughter’s ovarian cancer. Early detection can save lives, she says.
British Olympian Shares Daughter’s Cancer Warning
Former world marathon champion Paula Radcliffe is urging parents not to ignore subtle symptoms in their children after her daughter Isla was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 13 years old. Speaking out for the first time in detail, Radcliffe says the signs were easily missed—and she doesn’t want other families to make the same mistake.
Early Symptoms Mistaken for Teen Growing Pains
Isla’s symptoms included fatigue, stomach aches, and increased urination—typical signs Radcliffe and her husband, athletics coach Gary Lough, initially dismissed as puberty-related. “We thought she was just becoming a teenager,” said Radcliffe in an interview with i Newspaper. One symptom in particular—a need to pee frequently while bouncing on a trampoline—was chalked up to a weak pelvic floor.
Hidden Signs and the Start of Diagnosis
Unbeknownst to her parents, Isla had also noticed a lump on her abdomen that was only visible when lying down. She kept it to herself until a swim with her younger brother Raphael revealed reduced lung capacity. After blood tests and a referral to a paediatric oncology unit, the family received the devastating diagnosis: Isla had ovarian cancer.
Cancer at 13: A Rare But Real Risk
Ovarian cancer is rare in young girls but possible. According to Cancer Research , around 21 people are diagnosed daily—mostly women over 75—but cases can begin appearing as early as age 10. Isla’s diagnosis upended the family’s life, prompting Radcliffe to step away and focus on caregiving.
Treatment, Lockdown, and Family Strength
Isla underwent nine days of chemotherapy during the COVID-19 lockdown, with only one parent—her father, Gary allowed by her side during sessions. Surgery followed to remove one ovary. “She’s been cancer-free since, but it was a terrifying time,” Radcliffe said. Her younger brother, then nine, supported her by offering his hair for styling and helping her feel “normal” again.
Life After Cancer: A Message of Vigilance
Now 18, Isla undergoes annual scans. While her risk of recurrence is low post-puberty, the emotional impact lingers. Radcliffe admits it took time to re-establish routines, including limits on screen time that had been relaxed during treatment. Isla now hopes her story will encourage other teens to speak up and help parents learn to recognize the early signs of serious illness.
Radcliffe Advocates for Family Health Security
As part of her mission to raise awareness, Radcliffe has partnered with insurance provider MetLife to highlight the importance of child-focused policies like ChildShield. The plan offers financial support to families needing time off work due to a child’s serious illness. “You never think it will happen to your child—until it does,” Radcliffe said.
