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Sarah Harding breast cancer study has helped save over 80 women

The Stockport star's legacy is shining brighter than ever.

Thomas Melia - 20th March 2025

A life-saving study set in memory of Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding has seen her lasting legacy extend far beyond music, as now women across the country are getting cancer tests more frequently thanks to the research.

Funded by The Christie, The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal began its first phase of the BCAN-RAY (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Younger Women) back in May 2023.

Led by Dr Sacha Howell, who was Harding’s consultant, the work explores risk factors and creates personalised early screening options for women as young as 30.

This is extremely important as currently women are only invited for routine breast screenings every three years from 50 onwards. Awareness and being proactive are just as important as research.

The studies set up in Sarah‘s legacy are vital now more than ever as breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women aged 35-50 years in the UK.

These more frequent and routine checks from a younger age will be vital, especially since an estimated 10,000 women a year are diagnosed under 50. 

The BCAN-RAY study has recruited 500 women aged between 30 and 39 years old, who have had their risk assessment appointments.

Out of this number – 404 patients have been given their risks – 316 as ‘average risk’ and 88 were found as ‘increased risk’.

88 were found as ‘increased risk’ with 58 of these receiving telephone calls to discuss further implications and discuss strategies to reduce this such as diet, exercise and medication.

So far 18 women have had their first mammogram, with no recalls or cancer identified. Following this, each woman is offered regular screening every year until their NHS breast screening starts at age 50. 

Dr Sacha Howell commented, “We’re really confident that we have a system that is working, from the results so far, which is great news, these findings mean that we may be able to offer personalised ways to predict and prevent breast cancer more widely in the population in future”.

Just last year, Girls Aloud embarked on their first tour together in a decade and each night of the show featured a glorious tribute to the Stockport-born star.

In 2022, The Christie art and relaxation room received a wonderful makeover from proceeds raised at the Primrose Ball organised by Girls Aloud.

Within this room, visitors can find a lovely framed picture of Sarah Harding with the quote, “The darkest nights produce the brightest stars” and with all the work accomplished so far, we couldn’t agree more.

If you would like to show your support and help fund this life-changing research set up in Sarah’s legacy, you can donate HERE.

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Featured Images – The Christie (supplied)