Isla Sneddon, a 17-year-old from Airdrie, Scotland, passed away from breast cancer in March 2025, just six months after her diagnosis. Her parents, Mark and Michelle Sneddon, argue that had she been treated with the urgency afforded to adults, she might still be alive today. They contend that doctors dismissed her symptoms due to her young age, classifying her referral for a biopsy as routine, which consequently led to a late stage diagnosis of the disease.

In response to their tragedy, the Sneddons are advocating for legislative reforms aimed at ensuring that urgent pediatric referrals receive the same maximum waiting time treatment as adults. They believe that current protocols inadequately protect younger patients, creating a potentially dangerous gap in care for this vulnerable segment of the population. The family is pushing for changes to the healthcare system that could improve outcomes for other young individuals facing similar health challenges.

The Scottish government has stated that new cancer guidance was published in August of the previous year, and they are awaiting discussions regarding the petition presented by the Sneddons. The situation highlights critical issues within the healthcare system, particularly about how young patients are treated and the importance of timely medical intervention. This case may prompt further scrutiny of existing policies and practices regarding cancer diagnosis and treatment in youth.