Michael Strahan daughter Isabella medulloblastoma diagnosis rare cancer

Michael Strahan and his daughter reveal her brain cancer battle. Isabella, 19, is undergoing treatment for medulloblastoma. Stay tuned for updates.

Michael Strahan was taken by surprise when his 19-year-old daughter Isabella was diagnosed with brain cancer. In an interview with Robin Roberts, Isabella shared that she didn't notice anything was off until September or October, when she began experiencing headaches, nausea, and difficulty walking straight. Doctors found a fast-growing 4-centimeter tumor in the back of her brain, which she is now undergoing treatment for.

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in childhood, and while it's most common in kids, it can occur at any age. Isabella is one of the 300 to 500 people in the United States diagnosed with medulloblastoma each year. Symptoms of medulloblastoma, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and loss of balance, can be mistaken for other conditions. Hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder, can also be a symptom.

Treatment for medulloblastoma typically involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and can be intense on the body. Isabella underwent surgery and radiation treatment and is scheduled to start chemotherapy next month. The prognosis for medulloblastoma varies, but with early diagnosis and tailored treatment, survival rates can be as high as 80%.

Researchers are studying ways to personalize medulloblastoma treatments based on the biological and genetic factors of the disease. Some types of medulloblastoma may be more aggressive than others, and targeted treatment approaches are being studied to reduce side effects. In more aggressive forms of medulloblastoma, additional treatments are being researched to improve cure rates.

Isabella's story highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment for medulloblastoma, which is a completely different disease from more common adult brain tumors. The support and care she has received from her family and medical team are crucial as she continues her journey to recovery.