A groundbreaking cancer research project honoring the late singer Sarah Harding aims to detect early signs of breast cancer in young women. Named the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Younger Women (Bcan-Ray) project, it seeks to identify women in their 30s who are at risk of developing breast cancer. In the UK, approximately 2,300 women aged 39 or under are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. The project, which will take place in Greater Manchester, is made possible through funding from the Christie Charity, Cancer Research UK, and the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, supported by Harding’s family, friends, and former bandmates. The study holds personal significance for Harding, who before her passing stated, “Research is incredibly important in the fight against cancer… this project is incredibly close to my heart as it may help women like me in the future.” The first participant in the trial is Catherine Craven-Howe, a 33-year-old medical student from Hale in south Manchester. The project aims to create a model to identify the most common risk factors for breast cancer in women in their 30s, allowing for improved risk assessment and early detection. Ultimately, the hope is that all women will receive a risk assessment for breast cancer by the age of 30, enabling early screening and preventative measures for those deemed high risk. The study plans to recruit 1,000 women between the ages of 30 and 39, including 250 with breast cancer but no family history of the disease. The saliva samples collected will aid in identifying genetic markers associated with cancer, in addition to other risk factors such as age of menarche, alcohol intake, and contraceptive use. By combining this information, researchers aim to develop personalized risk scores to further refine breast cancer risk assessment. Dr. Sacha Howell, Miss Harding’s consultant and lead researcher for the Bcan-Ray study, emphasized the need for improved risk identification and early detection, particularly for young women diagnosed without a family history of breast cancer. The project will honor Harding’s legacy and contribute to advancements in diagnosing breast cancer earlier in young women.
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