CIARA MAGEEAN DIAGNOSED WITH STAGE FOUR BOWEL CANCER

Ciara Mageean, a two-time Olympian and European champion in athletics, received a diagnosis of stage four bowel cancer in May 2025. She has completed 18 rounds of chemotherapy since her diagnosis. Mageean stated that she has been told she may have two to three years left to live, but she remains determined to fight the illness. The runner said she is holding on to hope that she could be among the 10 to 15 per cent of patients who survive beyond five years.

Mageean described the moment of her initial diagnosis as something that "completely floored" her, with her mother Catherine present at the time. When the diagnosis was confirmed a few weeks later, she found telling her family "the hardest thing I have ever had to do." She explained that her family embraced her during this difficult period. Mageean acknowledged that there are moments when maintaining hope is harder, but she remains focused on finding happiness in small things and enjoying her life day by day.

The runner emphasised the importance of hope regardless of circumstances, stating that giving up would mean the illness has already won. She expressed gratitude for her ability to survive and live into old age, contrasting her situation with others who do not return home. Mageean said she is determined not to let her diagnosis define her and continues to seek joy in everyday moments. She also expressed hope that ongoing research might change her prognosis in the future.