From cancer surgery to a half marathon: The DCU student on a health awareness mission

Emergency that revealed a hidden illness

DCU Nursing student Lana Nolan is the last person you would expect to be diagnosed with cancer. A talented Ladies Footballer who has played for the Dublin Under-20s, and a dedicated runner, she seemed the picture of health.

Then in January, she was unexpectedly admitted to hospital for appendix surgery. But the procedure also revealed something even more serious: a tumour.

“People were saying, 'You're one of the healthiest and fittest people I know, how does it happen to you?’ But it can happen to anyone,” says Lana from Glasnevin.

Now Lana is determined to get the message out there, especially among younger people, not to ignore the signs if your health is suffering. “If you are worried about something, get it looked at, get it checked, get second opinions.”

The warning signs

Lana’s own story is a case in point. During the second half of 2025, Lana recalls that she kept getting injured and was frequently sick. However, Lana shrugged it off. “I was like, I'm fine. I'm working loads, I'm on placement, I’m playing loads of football. I'm probably just overtired.”

In the new year, things started to go downhill. While on placement in Beaumont Hospital one day, she could barely stand for any length of time and felt exhausted. This continued the next day and her mother insisted she see her GP.

The doctor sent her directly to the Emergency Department of Connolly Hospital, where she was admitted with an inflamed appendix. The surgery to remove the appendix was successful, but when Lana was discharged, she was still unaware that the doctors had uncovered a tumour.

A cancer diagnosis 

It wasn’t until she had a follow-up appointment with a consultant that she was informed that she had neuroendocrine cancer – a rare form of the disease that is usually only seen in people over 60.

“He explained it to me, and I was just like, what!?” says Lana. “I went in thinking the worst thing he could say was that I wasn't allowed back to football that week.” 

A few weeks later, she was back for more surgery to remove part of her small intestine and part of her bowel. 

Half marathon with her dad

Fortunately, the doctors told Lana she didn’t need follow-on treatment such as radiotherapy, and her thoughts quickly turned to other things. 

“So I had the surgery and then eight weeks and three days later I ran the half marathon,” says Lana Nolan with a grin. She was nervous about the race and admits it was tough. 

The best thing about the experience was having her father by her side as she ran the race. It gave her some reassurance, but everything went to plan, and they crossed the finish line together. 

Taking symptoms seriously

Reflecting on her experience of being a patient rather than a nurse, Lana says she learned a lot. For her, it’s about nurses making sure they are “advocating for patients” and listening to their needs.

She’s still passionate about nursing as her chosen profession. She says working on the wards in Beaumont Hospital is really rewarding. “I love it, just getting to know people, caring for them.”

Lana has been very open about her experience on the other side of the health system. She’s worked with the Irish Cancer Society and done various media appearances in the hope that her story raises awareness among young people about the importance of taking care of their health. 

Her message is simply to “take your symptoms seriously”, because “you're better off being safe.”