Millie Robinson, a 15-year-old from Dorset, was a healthy and active teenager with no signs of illness. Her life changed after she fell from her bicycle while riding with her father. Soon after, she felt pain in her arm, which the family believed was caused by the fall.
When the pain became stronger, Millie was taken to hospital. Initial X-rays did not show anything serious, and she was sent home. Later that same day, doctors urgently called her back for an MRI scan. The scan revealed a serious problem, and a biopsy at a specialist London hospital confirmed stage four osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer.
Doctors found that the cancer had already spread beyond her arm. Tumours were discovered in her chest, measuring around 11 centimetres, and doctors believe there may also be cancer in her elbow. Despite this, Millie had shown no warning signs such as weight loss, fatigue, headaches, or ongoing illness.
Millie is now undergoing intensive treatment. This includes nearly three months of chemotherapy, followed by major surgery to remove the tumours. After surgery, she will face several more months of radiotherapy. She has had to leave school, and her mother has stopped working to care for her full time.
Osteosarcoma is rare but dangerous, especially in young people. Its early symptoms often feel like normal aches or injuries, which can delay diagnosis. Doctors told the family that the bicycle fall may have saved Millie’s life by leading to the discovery of the cancer in time for treatment.