A major new study launched in memory of Sarah Harding will look for early signs of breast cancer in younger women, to identify those more at risk of getting the disease.
The Girls Aloud singer sadly died of the condition in 2021 age 39, after spending a year receiving treatment. That the study would be carried out was one of her final wishes. Before her death, she said: ‘Research is incredibly important in the fight against cancer. Although this research may not be in time to help me, this project is incredibly close to my heart as it may help women like me in the future.’
The major piece of research, known as The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women, (Bcan-Ray), is being funded by the Christie Charity and Cancer Research UK. Extra funding is also being granted via the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, which Harding’s family and her former bandmates – Cheryl, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts – support.
It’s hoped that the study’s findings could be used to give all women a breast cancer risk assessment when they reach the age of 30. Those classified as high risk could then be given access to early screening.
It comes as 2,300 women aged 39 and under are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.
What will the study examine?
The research will involve analysing saliva samples for certain types and patterns of genes that could be implicated in the disease.
Genetic predispositions will then be considered alongside factors such as period timing, breast tissue density, alcohol intake and use of the contraceptive pill, with the aim of formulating personalised ‘risk scores’.
Harding’s consultant, Dr Sacha Howell, who is leading the study, said: ‘Sarah spoke to me many times about breast cancer research and was really keen for more to be done to find out why young women are being diagnosed without any other family members having been affected by the disease.’
The study will recruit 1,000 women aged between 30 and 39, including 250 with breast cancer but no family history of the disease.
