Former England cricket star, 38, diagnosed with rare cancer - after initially being told she was only suffering a muscle strain

Former England cricketer Susie Wilson-Rowe has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer three years after retiring from the sport. 

The 38-year-old has revealed that she has a rare form of the disease, a non-small cell lung cancer called Exon 20, which has spread to her spine and her lymph nodes. 

The former batter was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year while she was taking maternity leave following the birth of her son Zach. 

Wilson-Rowe had initially been puzzled by pain in her ribs and scapula that had been troubling her for a long time, and left here unable to cough, sneeze or lift up Zach without experiencing pain. 

Initially diagnosed with a muscle strain, Wilson-Rowe pushed for an X-ray and further tests before learning she had a tumour that had metastasised.  

In a statement shared by her former club Kent, Wilson-Rowe stated that she was sharing her story 'to encourage others to listen to their bodies and push for answers when something doesn’t feel right'. 

At present, Wilson-Rowe is currently undergoing an intensive course of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with the statement suggesting that although it was successful so far, the former player was the thick of challenging long-term side effects. 

During her nearly two-decade-long career, Wilson-Rowe made 79 appearances for Kent across two stints. 

Wilson-Rowe also played for Surrey, South East Stars, and London Spirit before retiring in 2021. 

The batter also turned out for England's T20 and ODI sides between 2010 and 2013. 

Since retiring, Wilson-Rowe has been serving as Head of Cricket at Radnor House School. 

In tribute to Wilson-Rowe's connection to the club, Kent were keen to amplify the fundraising efforts of a GoFundMe set up to pay for her treatments. 

A portion of donations will also go, at Wilson-Rowe's request, to Exon 20 Group, which aims to assist patients and researchers to find new treatments for the rare disease. 

'Susie has given so much to cricket, as a player, coach, mentor, and friend; inspiring countless others with her strength, kindness, and relentless drive,' the statement read. 

'Kent Cricket and the wider cricket network are rallying together to help ease the heavy financial burden her battle with cancer brings.'