Thanks to a research study launched in memory of Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding, a 39-year-old woman from Manchester has been diagnosed and treated for a very early stage breast cancer after being identified as having a higher risk of the disease.  

BCAN-RAY (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women) is one of the first studies in the world to focus on finding breast cancer risk factors in women in their 30s. So far, the study has identified 140 women who carry a higher risk of developing the disease.

One of the women identified in the study is Annette Illing, a 39-year-old with no family history of breast cancer. After being identified as higher risk, she had a mammogram and was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. 

“It was a huge shock as I don’t  have a family history of breast cancer,” she said. “It was scary to hear the word ‘cancer,’ but there was hope. I’d rather know and have choices than not know.”

A study shaped by Sarah Harding’s legacy 

We helped set up BCAN-RAY in May 2023, in memory of Sarah Harding. Sarah was just 39 years old when she died in September 2021. Her dying wish was to help researchers find new ways of spotting the signs of breast cancer earlier.  

Sarah’s consultant at The Christie was Dr Sacha Howell, who is now the lead researcher for BCAN-RAY. 

His team are testing whether it’s possible to build a model for identifying women in their 30s who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer using a saliva test, a breast cancer risk factor questionnaire and a low-dose mammogram. 

So far, the study has recruited just under 1,000 women aged 30 to 39. This includes 750 women who do not have a breast cancer diagnosis, and 250 women who do have a breast cancer diagnosis. Of the 750 women without breast cancer at the start, 140 have been identified as having an increased risk. 

A life–changing early diagnosis 

Annette’s story shows why this research is so important.  

Since she did not have a family history of the disease, she would not have been referred for genetic testing or screening. Without BCAN-RAY, she would have waited another decade for her first routine mammogram.  

“When the mammogram picked up my cancer, it was undetectable by any other means. If I’d waited, it would have grown and changed my prognosis. It could have been a completely different story,” she says.  “It was caught early, meaning it could be removed, and preventative treatment was available.”

Annette had two surgeries, followed by radiotherapy and is now on preventative hormone therapy for five years. 

“Early detection may have saved Annette’s life, and we want to offer that same chance to many more women,” says Howell. 

Looking ahead for BCAN-RAY

Of the 140 women identified as having an increased risk, 137 have already had consultations about ways to reduce their risk, including lifestyle changes and medication. 59 women have already had their first mammogram. Annette is the first to be diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage through the study.  

Annette says taking part has given her reassurance not only for herself but for her daughters, aged 13, 11 and 8. “I am so grateful for this study and future studies like it, so that I know my daughters will be well looked after.”  

Further work is needed to refine the tools created as part of this study before they can be rolled out more widely. But this research is helping move us towards a future where cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment are much more personalised. Sarah’s legacy continues to drive progress for women at risk of breast cancer.