Women’s cricket is rallying around former England player Susie Wilson-Rowe after she revealed her diagnosis with a rare and aggressive form of stage four lung cancer. The 38-year-old has been diagnosed with Exon 20 non-small cell lung cancer, which has unfortunately advanced to her spine and lymph nodes. Wilson-Rowe, who earned 23 caps for England in T20 internationals, is bravely sharing her story to highlight the vital role of early diagnosis and to encourage individuals to heed their body’s signals.
The former cricketer’s health struggles surfaced earlier this year while she was on maternity leave. She endured months of debilitating pain around her ribs and scapula, affecting her ability to perform basic functions like lifting her newborn son, coughing, sneezing, and breathing. Initially dismissed as a muscle strain, Wilson-Rowe’s insistence on further investigations uncovered a tumor in her left lung. The subsequent confirmation of metastatic cancer was a profound shock.
Expressing the urgency of proactive health management, Wilson-Rowe stated, “Early detection can make all the difference. Listen to your body and push for answers when something doesn’t feel right.” Her distinguished cricket career saw her achieve considerable success with Kent, securing numerous championship titles and T20 trophies. She also contributed to the international arena and played a key role in the inaugural season of The Hundred before retiring from professional play.
Wilson-Rowe is currently engaged in a demanding course of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Early indications suggest a positive response to the treatment, despite the expected difficulties. Her determination to live a full life while undergoing medical care is truly remarkable. Kent Cricket has initiated a fundraising drive to support her medical expenses, with a portion of the funds allocated to the Exon 20 Group, an organization dedicated to advancing research for this rare cancer. A special fundraising event is also planned to further support her.