The women’s cricket community is sending waves of support to Susie Wilson-Rowe, a former England international, following her announcement that she is battling a rare form of stage four lung cancer. Wilson-Rowe, 38, has been diagnosed with Exon 20 non-small cell lung cancer, which has regrettably spread to her spine and lymph nodes. Having played 23 T20 internationals for England, she is now using her platform to advocate for the significance of early detection and to urge others to be attentive to their physical well-being.
Wilson-Rowe’s health ordeal began earlier this year while she was on maternity leave. She suffered from persistent pain in her rib cage and shoulder blade area, which severely hampered her ability to perform everyday activities, including holding her infant son, coughing, sneezing, and even breathing without discomfort. Despite an initial diagnosis of a muscle strain, Wilson-Rowe’s persistence led to further tests, revealing a tumor in her left lung. The discovery that the cancer had metastasized was a deeply distressing moment.
She emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps in health: “Early detection can make all the difference. Listen to your body and push for answers when something doesn’t feel right.” Wilson-Rowe’s impressive cricket career included numerous accolades with Kent, where she was instrumental in winning multiple county championship and T20 titles. Her international career and participation in The Hundred further solidified her standing in the sport.
Currently undergoing a challenging regimen of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Wilson-Rowe has reported a positive initial response to her treatment, showcasing remarkable fortitude. Kent Cricket has launched a fundraising effort to assist with her treatment and care, with donations also supporting the Exon 20 Group, an organization focused on finding treatments for this specific type of lung cancer. A fundraising quiz night has also been organized to generate further support for her medical journey.