Five years ago, Paula Radcliffe’s daughter Isla began experiencing symptoms that, unbeknownst to her family, signaled ovarian cancer. Radcliffe, a multiple Olympic finalist and former world marathon champion, candidly shared how she and her husband Gary Lough initially dismissed Isla’s warnings as routine teenage changes.
Reflecting on their experience, Radcliffe urges other parents to pay closer attention to potential warning signs. “Don’t miss the signs like we did,” she emphasizes.
Isla’s symptoms included stomach aches, which Paula initially mistook for menstrual cramps, fatigue—assumed to be typical teenage tiredness—and increased bathroom visits while playing on the trampoline, which raised no suspicions at the time. Paula even recommended pelvic floor exercises, never imagining a tumor could be pressing on Isla’s bladder.
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Unbeknownst to her parents, Isla had found a lump on her stomach, visible only when lying down, but chose not to mention it. The family’s concern grew when Isla struggled to swim underwater during a race with her younger brother Raphael, marking a noticeable decline in her physical ability.
Following blood tests and a pediatric oncology referral, the devastating diagnosis of ovarian cancer was confirmed. While her mother wept, she also found relief in finally understanding the cause of Isla’s health issues.
According to Cancer Research UK, about 21 people receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis daily in the UK. Though it primarily affects women over 75, cases begin to rise steadily from age 10 onward. Paula, now a BBC commentator, paused her work commitments to support her family.
Younger brother Raphael, just nine at the time, contributed by offering emotional support, allowing Isla to style his hair and paint his nails—moments that brought the family closer during this challenging period.
COVID-19 lockdown restrictions meant only one parent could accompany Isla during chemotherapy sessions. Gary stayed by her side while Paula returned to running as a coping mechanism to decompress.
After nine days of chemotherapy, Isla underwent surgery to remove one ovary and has remained cancer-free since. Fertility was a significant concern for the family; doctors assured them that many live fulfilled lives with one ovary. Isla’s candid response: “Yes, but what if that’s the one you removed?”
Now 18, Isla has annual scans to monitor her health, though doctors say the likelihood of recurrence decreases significantly after puberty. Returning to normal family routines proved difficult, with Paula admitting she eased screen time rules to provide Isla with needed distractions during treatment—a balance that was challenging to readjust.
This ordeal has deepened Paula’s appreciation for everyday health and family wellbeing. Isla hopes sharing her story raises awareness among parents and young people to recognize and openly discuss any unusual symptoms.
In addition to raising awareness on cancer signs, Paula is collaborating with MetLife to highlight the importance of life insurance and protection policies for families, including products like ChildShield that offer financial support if a child is seriously ill or injured.