Two-time Olympian Ciara Mageean, 34, has revealed her battle with stage four bowel cancer, diagnosed in May 2025. The athlete, known for her resilience on the track, has undergone 18 rounds of chemotherapy and is now awaiting critical scan results that will influence her prognosis. Mageean shared her unwavering determination, stating, "I think in life you make your own hope. I'm not going to let this cancer win."
Mageean recounted the profound impact of her diagnosis, describing the initial news as something that "completely floored me." She explained that informing her family about her confirmed stage four cancer was "the hardest thing I've ever had to do," highlighting the emotional burden carried by her loved ones. Despite the challenging prognosis, which included an initial estimate of two to three years left to live, Mageean maintains hope, aspiring to be part of the 10% to 15% of patients who survive beyond five years.
The middle-distance runner from Portaferry emphasised her commitment to finding happiness in everyday moments and living life to the fullest. She acknowledged that while hope can sometimes be difficult to maintain, particularly during moments of crushing news, it remains a vital element of her fight. Mageean also expressed her belief in ongoing research that could potentially alter her prognosis, reinforcing her resolve to enjoy life as "none of us are guaranteed tomorrow."
The period of waiting for scan results is described by Mageean as being in "limbo," a state familiar to many cancer patients. She articulated the mix of worry and dread, hoping the scans will confirm the effectiveness of her chemotherapy while fearing unfavourable outcomes. Despite these anxieties, Mageean is actively trying to focus on positivity, understanding that worrying does not change the situation but only intensifies immediate distress.
Mageean's career, spanning 18 years, included significant achievements such as Commonwealth Games silver in 2022 and European gold in 2024. She has chronicled her experiences, including her treatment journey and athletics career, in a biography. She admitted to grieving the abrupt end of her career and experiencing feelings of anger and frustration, alongside the pervasive question of 'why me?'.
Source: BBC Sport NI