Sarah Harding study helped dozens of women find out about increased cancer risk

Sarah Harding passed away from cancer in 2021

The singer sadly passed away at the age of 39 due to complications from breast cancer.

One of Sarah Harding's final wishes was to help find new ways of diagnosing breast cancer early.

She wanted women who were at risk to find out at a stage when the disease is treatable.

The study was launched by The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women.

Experts at The Christie Hospital in Manchester conducted the study. The singer was treated at the hospital before her untimely passing.

The study, which was funded by The Christie Charity’s Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, found that 58 women aged between 30 and 39 years old were at an increased risk of breast cancer.

Of the 500 women involved in the study, 404 were given the risk score.

88 were found to have an increased risk, and 316 had an average risk.

The team then gave them information on how to reduce their odds of being diagnosed with the disease.

The women who were at a higher risk were also offered yearly check-ups until they reached the age when they were eligible for the NHS breast cancer screening.

The study, launched in May 2023, is expected to involve around 1,000 women.

Participants completed a questionnaire and had a risk assessment mammogram.

They also provided a saliva sample for genetic testing.

Sarah Harding's bandmates spoke out following the study

They stated: "Before Sarah passed away, we promised her we would fulfil her wish of raising as much money as possible for vital breast cancer research.

“Too many young women who have no reason to believe they are at risk of breast cancer are dying from the disease.

"We miss Sarah every day and will do everything in our power to support research in her name.

"And reduce the chances of other women going through what she experienced."