Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean has revealed she was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 33, a condition that predominantly affects those over 60. The gold medalist, who won the women's 1500 metres at the European Championships in Rome in 2024, spoke candidly about her diagnosis on the Brendan O'Connor Show on RTE.
Mageean described subtle warning signs that led her to seek medical attention. As an athlete, she was accustomed to an unsettled bowel due to intense training, but she noticed changes. 'I would get up in the morning and I would need the toilet four times. I thought, that's not normal,' she said. She also experienced cramping and initially attributed it to dietary issues or irritable bowel syndrome.
Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in men and third in women in Ireland. The HSE advises that anyone experiencing symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss should contact their GP. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Mageean's diagnosis came in May 2025, and she has been open about her journey, hoping to raise awareness. Treatment for bowel cancer typically involves surgery, but options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
