A former England and Kent cricketer is speaking out after being diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer, hoping her story helps others—especially healthy non-smokers—spot the warning signs earlier.
Susie Wilson-Rowe, 38, had her life change suddenly while on maternity leave with her newborn son, Zach. Known for her fitness as a professional athlete and never having smoked, she never imagined her persistent rib and back pain could be cancer. But scans revealed a tumour, leading to a diagnosis that she described as “an enormous shock”.
Wilson-Rowe enjoyed a highly successful domestic career with Kent Cricket, contributing to five Women’s County Championship titles and two National Women’s T20 victories. Her diagnosis highlights a lesser-known but growing issue: lung cancer among non-smokers.
According to the NHS, smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for 70% of cases. However, data from the Ruth Strauss Foundation shows diagnoses in non-smokers are increasing—particularly among women and people under 55. The late Ruth Strauss, wife of former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss, died from non-smoker lung cancer at age 46, inspiring the charity’s creation.
Currently, lung cancer screening is being rolled out across England for those aged 55–74, but it is not yet available nationwide and does not include younger age groups, even though cases among them are rising.
Her partner, Jen Wilson-Rowe, said the couple is trying to remain hopeful as they wait for new treatment approvals: “You’re constantly holding your breath, hoping the next approved therapy could help if this one stops working.”
So far, her treatment has delivered promising results. But Wilson-Rowe says the uncertainty remains difficult: “We don’t know what the future holds, but we stay optimistic and hope the treatment keeps me stable.”
Her message to others is clear and urgent: listen to your body. “If you know something’s not right, follow it up. Had I known lung cancer can happen to healthy people too, it might have been caught much earlier.”
Her story adds to growing calls from specialists and patient groups for expanded screening and greater awareness of non-smoker lung cancer—a disease that can remain hidden until advanced stages, even in people considered low-risk.
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