Sarah Harding’s final wish realised among women affected by breast cancer
The late singer died following her breast cancer diagnosis.
Several young women have discovered they are at increased risk of breast cancer as part of the study named in memory of singer Sarah Harding.
The Girls Aloud born in Berkshire and raised in Greater Manchester, died in September 2021 aged 39 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Upon her passing, it was revealed that one of her last wishes was for there to one day be a method of identifying breast cancer in women at earlier stages.
Previous results from the study show that 58 women aged between 30 and 39 years old have been identified at increased risk and have been given information on steps they can take to reduce their odds of being diagnosed with the disease.
They will also be offered annual check-ups until they reach the age when they are eligible for NHS breast cancer screening at the age of 50.
Around 2,300 women aged 39 and under are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.
Sarah was part of British girl band Girls Aloud (Picture: Getty Images) Harding died in September 2021 at the age of 39 after battling breast cancer (Picture: WireImage)The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women (Bcan-Ray) project launched in 2023 and was one one of the first in the world to identify which women are at risk of getting the disease in their 30s.
The project, which started in Greater Manchester, is being made possible thanks to funding from the Christie Charity, Cancer Research UK and the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, which is supported by Sarah’s family, friends and Girls Aloud bandmates Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts.
Speaking about the study before her death in comments shared exclusively to PA, the late singer said: ‘Research is incredibly important in the fight against cancer.
Macmillan cancer supportIf you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
‘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 Promise hitnaker was treated at the Christie cancer hospital in Manchester.
Sarah died 13 months after she revealed she was battling breast cancer, which later spread to other parts of her body.
She had shared her journey living with the disease in her autobiography Hear Me Out, in which she also detailed her career and personal life.
Harding rose to fame in 2002 along with her Girls Aloud bandmates, and also enjoyed a TV career that included stints on shows such as The Jump, Coronation Street and Celebrity Big Brother.
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